Gerald L. "Gary" Thompson

Gerald L. “Gary” Thompson, 70, of Watertown, passed away March 25, 2018 at his home while under the care of Hospice of Jefferson County and his family.

Gary was born July 10, 1947 in Carthage, son of Gerald R. and Katherine Lennox Thompson. He attended Carthage schools and received his GED while in the military. He later attended Jefferson Community College. Gary served in the United States Army serving two tours in Vietnam with the 82nd Airborne and the 173rd Airborne Division. After his military retirement, he served in the United States Army Reserves from 1964 until 1971. From 1971 until 1986 he was a civilian employee for the Auto Pool on Fort Drum. In 1987 he owned and operated Auto Glass, Inc. on Outer Washington Street until he retired in 2008.

He married Elizabeth “Betsy” Netto July 13, 1968 in Dillon, South Carolina.

Gary was a communicant of St. Patrick’s Church. A member of the 82nd for Life. Gary served as President of the Republican Small Business Committee and was in a featured article in the Wall Street Journal. He enjoyed reading, politics, classic cars, westerns and spending time with his grandchildren.

Surviving beside his wife Betsy, are two sons Ryan J. (Shalaina) Thompson, Garry G., all of Watertown, a daughter, Faith A. Hogutt-Ringweilski, Portland, OR, three brothers, Sterling G. (Pam) Thompson, Clayton, NY, Kevin (Rosemary) Thompson, Rockhill, SC, Bruce(Shannon) Thompson, New Haven, NY, a sister, Karen McLees, Joplin, MO, grandchildren, Ani Hocutt, Geno Hocutt, Giuliana Thompson,  Adriana Thompson and Salvatore Thompson, several nieces and nephews.

Gary’s family would like to thank  Dr. Palazzi at the Syracuse VA , Dr. Knox and Chris Angelo VA RN at the Watertown VA, for all of the companionate care they gave to Gary.

Calling hours are Wednesday 4-7 pm at the D.L. Calarco Funeral Home, Inc. A prayer service will be held Thursday at 10:15 am at the funeral home with a funeral service at 11 am at St. Patrick’s Church with Reverend Robert Aucoin officiating. Burial will be in the spring in Glenwood Cemetery with military honors. Contributions may be made to Hospice of Jefferson County, 1398 Gotham Street, Watertown, or to Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, 1235 S. Clark St. Arlington, VA 22202.Condolences may be made to www.dlcalarco.com.

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