Arnold Belmont Thompson

Arnold B. 'Arnie' Thompson

Altay/Dundee: Arnold B. 'Arnie' Thompson, age 85, of Altay, NY passed away in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family on Friday July 3, 2026.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 noon till 1:00 pm Friday July 10, at the Baird Funeral Home, 36 Water Street, Dundee; where his funeral service will be held at 1 :00 with Pastor Floyd Wicker Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in Hillside Cemetery, Dundee.

In lieu of flowers the family wishes memorial contributions be made to the Altay Baptist Church, 4289 Six Corners Rd., Dundee, NY 14837.

Arnold was born May 10, 1941 in the town of Reading, NY, son of the late Belmont Donald and Leona May (Perigo) Thompson. He attended Dundee Central School, graduating in the class of 1959, having been a three sport athlete playing on the championship football and baseball teams, as well as being on the track team. He also worked throughout his high school years on a dairy farm, both milking and collecting on a milk route; and as a wingman for Schuyler County Highway Dept. where he eventually went fulltime as a member of the highway dept. road crew. On April 30, 1960 in the Dundee United Methodist Church he married his sweetheart the former Elizabeth Ann Galek. Arnie accepted a job with Clark Specialty Co. Inc., of Hammondsport, NY and with his talents became a tool and die maker master, and was soon recruited by Shepard-Niles, then Ingersoll-Rand. He eventually returned to Clark Specialty where he worked for over 30 years, retiring in 2007. He was happiest while working, yet never considering it to be work, he felt every job was a hobby, no matter if he was paid or volunteering. In the mid 80’s and early 90’s, he was the A in the family business, A&T Woodworking, that he enjoyed for 7 years making pallets, crates, and docks alongside his son Tim. Never one to sit still, he started buying and repairing houses, to either rent or resell. A “Master Craftsman” there was nothing he could not build, repair or improve in design, no matter what the material or the project was. Never too busy to help his fellow man, even if it meant his own projects had to wait. He loved to teach and pass on all of his knowledge. 

Affectionately referred to as 'The Mayor of Altay’ Mr. Thompson was a former 4H Leader of the Altay Hammerheads and the Tyrone Volunteer Fire Dept. where he helped build most of the structures on the fire house property. He was active helping with the Fireman’s carnivals and competing in area fireman competitions, having helped bring home many trophies. His passions were extremely diversified, from bowling, to woodworking, clocks to jewelry, dancing both round and square, traveling and snowmobiling. And some may remember when he drove stock car for Bob Cady before he was even old enough.

He was a “one of a kind” and will be forever missed by everyone who knew him; especially his wife of 66 years Betty Thompson at home; daughter Cheryl L. (Richard J.) Richtmyer II of Watkins Glen; son Timothy A. (Helen G.) Thompson of Dundee; 4 grandchildren Tiffany (Kelly) Jacobson of Clyde, NY, Richard J. 'RJ’ (Ashley) Richtmyer Ill of Watkins Glen, Brandon T. Thompson also of Altay, and Markel M. Gullo-Thompson of Dundee; 7 great grandchildren, Elizabeth, Joey, Timmy, Ryan, Bryan, Casey, and Aurora. Numerous step grand, great grand, and great great grandchildren whom he loved as his own. He is also loved by his siblings Walter J. (Ella) Thompson, Barbara Dombroski, Norman Thompson, Donna (Ed Craig) Briggs, Darlene (Sam) Rumsey, and Douglas (Julianne) Thompson; and countless nieces and nephews. 

Besides his parents, he joins his predeceased brother in law Joseph Dombroski, and sister in law Katie Thompson.

The family extends their gratitude to Care First Hospice, and the wonderful staff for their loving care and compassion given to Arnold in his final days.

Online condolences, pictures and memories can be shared with the family by visiting www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com