HOLLIDAYSBURGH, Pa. — William Donnelly Thompson Jr., founder of Thompson Pharmacy, passed away Monday at his residence. He was 81. He grew Thompson Pharmacy to become one of Pennsylvania’s largest long-term care pharmacy providers.

He was a  graduate of Altoona High School, Class of 1957. In 1962, he graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy. Thompson started working at Meeks Drug Store at 16 years old as a stock boy. Meeks made Thompson a promise that if he went to pharmacy school, he would one day sell the store to him upon Meeks retirement. In 1965, Meek made good on that promise and Thompson Pharmacy began. Over the years, Thompson Pharmacy grew to multiple locations and became one of the state’s largest long-term care pharmacy providers.

Thompson was elected to numerous boards of directors, serving as treasurer and vice-president of Value Drug Co. for 46 years. He also served on the boards of: Skills Inc.; Allegheny Lutheran Social Ministries; Altoona Area High School Foundation; Trinity Lutheran Church; Altoona Jaycees; Park Hills Country Club; and numerous others. Bill was a member of Logan Lodge Free & Accepted Masons; Jaffa Shrine, Royal Order of Jesters No. 70, Antique Car Club, Order of Quetzalcoatl of North America No. 91; Altoona High School Alumni Association; Juniata Businessmen; Juniata Civics; Bavarian Club; UVA Club; Swiss Rifle Club; Blair County Pharmacy Association; Pa. Pharmacists Association; National Association of Community Pharmacists; Consultant Pharmacists of America; National Chain Drug Stores; and a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Anne (Densevich) Thompson; three children: William D. Thompson III (Dana) of Altoona, Susan L. Summers (Matt) of Pasadena, Md., and Michael D. Thompson (Nicole Ballos) of East Norriton; his grandchildren: William D. Thompson IV, Alfred James Thompson, Gabrielle A. Summers and Bryan M. Summers; sister-in-law, Candace Thompson of LaGrange, Ky.; two brothers-in-law: Frank and John Densevich; and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Trinity Lutheran Church, Juniata, AASD Foundation c/o Thompson Family Fund, 1415 Sixth Ave., Altoona, PA 16602 or Allegheny Lutheran Social Ministries, 998 Logan Blvd., Altoona, PA 16602, or at alsm.org/donate.