John Roy Thompson

John Roy Thompson (Roy), Newton Twp., died Friday night at Regional Hospital of Scranton with his wife Rosemary DeCicco Thompson, children and grandchildren at his side.

Born in Scranton, he was the son of the late Roy LaCoe and Virginia Gairens Thompson. Roy grew up on the family farm, working the fields and tending to the cows alongside his father and brother. He was a 1957 graduate of Newton- Ransom High School and later attended Keystone College. He was a dedicated member and benefactor of the church, serving on the committee to build St. Benedict; he was a past member of the Knights of Columbus.

He started his insurance career at Metropolitan Life and Knights of Columbus Life Insurance where he excelled as an agent and sales manager, receiving countless awards. Roy then created his own independent insurance agency in Clarks Summit and diligently worked it for more than 40 years. He was the founder and creator of Northeast Title and Tag and, in his late 60s, became a self-taught, hands-on real estate developer, operating heavy equipment, creating Stone Wood Estates in Newton Twp.

He served three terms as a Newton Twp. supervisor, as well as a chairman of the board at Clarks Summit State Hospital. Roy served many years as a school board director and the president for the Abington Heights School District, always dedicated to the taxpayers of his community, embracing his conservative values.

He enjoyed following politics and voiced his opinions loudly, also enjoyed growing flowers and tending to his beautifully landscaped estate. He always enjoyed his Florida home, boating, sailing and flying his plane. Roy traveled the world. Most importantly he will be remembered as the epitome of a man of honor.

Also surviving are a son, Sean Thompson; a daughter, Maria Thompson; six grandchildren, John, Anthony, Nicholas and Alexandria Thompson, Joey Thompson Grasso, and Marissa Grasso; two great-grandchildren, Giuliana and Giavana; stepchildren, Ricky Thompson, Vinny Pelosi, Nick Pelosi and Renee Staff; sisters, Suzanne Drumsta and Diane DeCicco; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Rex Thompson.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. at Church of St. Benedict, 1849 Newton-Ransom Blvd., Clarks Summit with services by the Rev. Stephen A. Asomah, assistant pastor. All attending are asked to go directly to the church. Interment will be in Newton Cemetery. Friends may call on Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., 418 S. State St., Clarks Summit.