Michael Lewis Thompson, 61, died suddenly on 2 February 2021. He is survived by his life-partner of 26 years, Michael J. LoFurno.
The two met through the Spartan Wrestling Club, and Thompson served as its treasurer for several years. He earned a Silver Medal in Wrestling at Gay Games IV in Amsterdam in 1998.
The two spent their life together as amateur birders, naturalists, Humboldt Society members, Philadelphia Flower Show Exhibitors, book collectors, and world travelers. Thompson was also a homebrewer, polyglot, tech guy, volunteer ESL tutor and Philadelphia Zoo Docent.
Michael received a Bachelor’s in Forestry from North Carolina State University and Master’s in German Literature from the University of Pennsylvania, where he also pursued his PhD. He made a career managing several Borders Bookstores. In 2012, he joined Congreso de Latinos Unidos. He found a home there and became Director of Adult Education.
He is survived by his spouse Michael and two sisters and their children, in North Carolina. He was also loved by Robert and Monica LoFurno and their children.
He shared a special bond and is greatly missed by Stephen Maciejewski, devoted friends, Kai — their beloved 17-year old Manx — and by everyone he touched.
Steadfast, Loyal, Trustworthy, Generous.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Michael’s memory can be made to support the urban greening efforts of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society at https://phsonline.org/thompson-fund or to the Philadelphia Zoo Docent Council.