H. Bruce Thompson, Jr.

H. Bruce Thompson, Jr. of Glen Mills, PA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 9 at the age of 93. A loving father and grandfather, and a trusted advisor and executive in the commercial real estate industry, Bruce is survived by his four daughters and seven grandchildren; Cheryl Nagelberg (Richard), Devon Nagelberg and Andrew Nagelberg; Teresa Cabrey (Matthew), Alexander Cabrey, Courtney Cabrey and Luke Cabrey; Linda Drohosky (Michael), Gregory Drohosky and Allison Drohosky; and Christina Thompson.

Born on March 6, 1933, in Philadelphia, Bruce lived most of his life in Delaware and Chester Counties. Bruce graduated from Upper Darby High School and Temple University, and earned the prestigious designation as a Member of the Appraisal Institute (MAI), which is awarded to appraisers who have demonstrated advanced expertise in real estate valuation.

While at Temple University, Bruce was active in ROTC and on the day of his graduation was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army, where he served for four years. Bruce was assigned to the Thule Air Base in Greenland, and to Fort Eustis, Virgina where he was named Company Commander of the 24th Transportation Company, and achieved the rank of First Lieutenant.

Bruce built a uniquely successful career in the commercial real estate industry and earned a reputation as one of the region’s leading authorities in the appraisal sector. He began his real estate appraisal career with Jackson Cross in Philadelphia in the early 1960s before establishing H. Bruce Thompson, Jr. & Associates in 1975 in Bryn Mawr, PA. Bruce appraised hundreds of properties over his distinguished career, including the Waldorff Astoria in New York City, and dozens of prominent buildings and estates across the greater Philadelphia region and beyond. With a reputation anchored in integrity, quality and thoroughness, Bruce was a sought-after appraisal professional along Philadelphia’s Main Line who often served as an expert witness to help resolve challenging real estate disputes. Bruce was a generous teacher, and each summer led educational programs to train rising real estate executives across the country through the Appraisal Institute.

It was at Upper Darby High School where Bruce met the love of his life, Joyce Porreca, and they married on June 24, 1955, enjoying 67 years of marriage while raising four beautiful daughters and creating wonderful memories with their seven grandchildren.

Bruce was an avid fan of his beloved Philadelphia Phillies, Philadelphia Eagles, Penn State Football, and Temple University and Villanova University basketball teams. He was a prolific storyteller with an incredible memory for all things family, friends, sports, Philadelphia, real estate, and more. Bruce had a passion for photography, model trains, computers and technology, and travel, including many trips to train shows across the U.S. and Europe, and Phillies Spring Training. He was a talented craftsman who was always at his workbench, measuring twice and cutting once as he helped his family with countless renovation projects.

Bruce is preceded in death by his loving wife, Joyce Porreca Thompson; his parents, H. Bruce Thompson and Margaret Thompson (nee Barr); his brother, Robert, and his sister, Barbara.

Bruce was a longtime member of St. Thomas of Villanova, and most recently was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle in Glen Mills.

Relatives and friends are invited to Bruce's visitation on Friday, July 17 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Thomas the Apostle, 430 Valleybrook Rd., Glen Mills followed by his funeral mass at 11:00 AM. Interment at St. Thomas the Apostle Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bruce’s honor and in recognition of his uncle, Otto Knabe, who played for Phillies in the early 1900s and touched Bruce’s life in notable ways, would be appreciated to Phillies Charities, Inc.