Obituary of Thomas W. Simpson, Jr.

Thomas “Tom” or “Bill” Simpson Jr. of Aston, PA and South Ft. Myers, FL passed away Friday August 19, 2016. He was surrounded by his children at his passing, and we hope attended by his recently departed loving wife, Geraldine “Jerry” Joan Hampton Simpson. Tom and Jerry were happily married for 65.5 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas William Simpson Sr. and Phyllis Rowena Bretherick Simpson of Darby, PA, and his 3 brothers; George (Kathryn) of Northridge, CA, James (Jacqueline) of Collingdale, PA, and Philip (Laura) of Folsom, PA. He is survived by his 3 children; Robin of New Jersey, Thomas III (Karen) of Boothwyn, PA, and Debra (Barry) Metz of West Chester, PA, and his 2 grandchildren; Heather (Matthew) Sommer of Houston, TX, and Rachel of Delaware. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews, friends, and Brothers in the Aston Lions Club and Concord Masonic Lodge, FAM # 625. Thomas “Billy” was born in Darby, PA to hardworking parents. He grew up playing many sports – baseball, basketball, boxing, and football (his favorite) – in organized and intramural teams. With his parents’ permission, he quit high school to follow his older brothers into military service; George – Air Force, Jim – Army, Philip – Army Air Force. He joined as an underage ‘swabby’ with the Navy during WWII, serving in the Atlantic Theater on an amphibious vessel. Upon his discharge he returned to Darby to complete his grade school education, and then attended Furman / Clemson junior college, followed by a transfer to West Chester University (State Teachers College) to pursue a degree in Physical Education, and play football. He met our Mother on the WCU campus and then later they both left school to start their family and work. Tom worked at Piasecki – Boeing / Vertol for over 35 years (lastly as a final assembly Inspector) until his retirement in 1986. He loved figuring out the puzzles of mechanical operations and helicopter flight. Other notable positions at Boeing were sheet metal assembler – top of the shop, consultant / educator at Ft. Belvoir VA, and Supervisor in composite materials for blades R&D. Tom was an avid sports fan, following Philadelphia’s major teams, especially the Eagles and Phillies. Tom and Jerry loved to dance together, and for many years were involved in square dancing and card club. They also sang to each other all the time. He was a member and contributor to many community organizatons. Tom enjoyed membership and serving the Aston Lion’s Club (where he helped create the Aston Pancake Breakfast), the Chester / Concord Masonic Lodge #625, the Penn Delco School District Parent – Teachers’ Association, as a Boy Scout Troop Assistant Leader, many years as a Little League umpire, and he started and ran Woodbrook’s Wednesday night Recreation Club for teens. Tom and Jerry also loved to travel, taking cruises all over the western hemisphere in their retirement. They are missed. There will be no services. Their cremains will be interred at Arlington Cemetery VA at a later date. The family requests any memorial donations be made to the Aston Lions Club or the charity of your choice, in order to benefit the community.