Chester Howard Thompson

November 02, 2018 Last Updated: November 02, 2018 12:00 PM Death Notice

Chester Howard Thompson of Harmony died at home on Sept. 25. He was 95 years old.

Chet was born on June 27, 1923, in Summit Township, to Ruth (Oesterling) and Howard Thompson, the second oldest of five children. He was the last remaining of his siblings, Charlotte Johnson, Norma Yacko and Glenn and Eugene Thompson.

A veteran of World War II, Chet served in the Ninth Air Corps in Europe and was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service.

After the war, he studied history at Asbury College and the University of Chicago.

Chet worked for 14 years as a sales manager for U.S. Gypsum, Co. in New York City and Harrisburg. He was a vice president of Capital Housing Corp. in Avis, Pa., a director of procurement for the National Housing Corp. in Washington D.C., a sales manager for the Southern Solar Energy Center in Atlanta, and a vice president and co-founder of the Kaltek Corp. of Atlanta. Upon his retirement in 1976, he founded Thompson Associates, designing and making custom computer furniture.

Chet was active in the National Association of Home Builders, was a lecturer for the Southern Solar Energy Center on active and passive solar systems, a life member of the Zelienople Historical Society and a family historian.

Deeply intelligent and curious, Chet never stopped asking questions and philosophizing. Even more deeply compassionate and service-oriented, Chet's legacy is one of unfailing support for his family, broad interest in how society evolves and a gentle commitment to making the lives of others easier.

As a man of profound faith, he was unafraid of the next adventure and served his family patiently until his time came.

Chet is survived by his wife, Aileen; his daughter, Carolyn Ellis; and his grandchildren, Laura and Allen.

THOMPSON — Chester Howard Thompson, who died Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018, did not want a funeral. An open-house celebration of his life will be held starting at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, at home. All are welcome.Contact his family or see the Facebook event for Chet Thompson's Life Celebration for more details.Arrangements were entrusted to Boylan Funeral Home of Zelienople.Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.boylanfuneralservices.com.