Thompson, Richard Anthony "Tony" (Age 65) of Arlington, Virginia.

Richard Anthony Thompson (Tony) was born on November 10, 1946 to Elvia L. Thompson and the late Richard E. Thompson. Tony attended Pomonkey Elementary School in Pomonkey, MD. He also attended Bruce Monroe Elementary School, Banneker Junior High School and Cardozo High School in Washington, D.C.

Tony served two years in the United States Army, spending a tour in Vietnam. He left the military with an Honorable Discharge. After service he graduated from Federal City College (now The University of the District of Columbia) with a degree in Sociology (social work). Tony retired from the U.S. Department of State after serving 40 years receiving many awards and accolades, including a special award from Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice.


Tony was a very private and humble person. He attended Catholic churches on a daily basis. He believed in Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. He spent hours studying the Bible, which was manifested in his love toward others. He knew the Word! There was not a biblical subject you could talk about that he didn't know something about. He always had time to talk (loved to talk) and was a very fair person.

Tony loved dancing with the elderly at the Senior Citizens Center. He always encouraged the old and the young to be more than they could be. He played a variety of sports and won many Senior Olympic events and awards. Tony took pleasure patiently teaching children how to play different sports and gave tennis rackets, and other sports equipment, to those who were interested in playing tennis or whatever. Many of the children are now parents and would show Tony their appreciation by inviting him to basketball games and graduations. Some even adopted him as a Godfather. He had no children, yet he had many children!

Tony was very thoughtful and generous toward his family. His giving even reached beyond his family as he frequently donated to charities. He also sent donations overseas to support homeless children.

During his illness, Tony was lovingly cared for by his mother along with the help of his siblings and other family members. We will greatly miss him.

Peacefully, on September 13, 2012, at his mother's home in Bryans Road, MD, Tony transitioned from this earthly life to life eternal.

He leaves to celebrate his life, his mother: Elvia L. Thompson; sisters: Rachael A. Thompson, Onnetta C. Benoit (Tim); brother: Andre P. Thompson (Kem); nieces: Phyllis, Traci (Tony), Tina (Alonzo), Donna (David Sr.), Opal, Taziah; grand nieces: Sarah, Grace (Jerrod), Maria, Dayna, Danielle, Tiara, Taliyah; grand nephews: David Jr., Taquan, Trent; great grand nephews: Juelz and DeShawn and a host of relatives and friends.

Viewing, 4 to 5 pm, Funeral Service and Prayers, 5pm, Friday, September 21, 2012 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 3305 Glen Carlyn Road, Falls Church, Virginia 22041.

An additional Viewing, Saturday, September 22, 2012 at St. Columba Catholic Church, 7804 Livingston Road, Oxon Hill, Maryland 20745 from 10:30am until Mass of Christian Burial, 11:30am.

Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton, Maryland.

In Lieu of Flowers, Contributions may be made to Hospice of Charles County, Inc. P.O. Box 1703, La Plata, Maryland 20646

Arrangements entrusted to THORNTON Funeral Home, P.A., Indian Head, Maryland.