David S. Thompson

David S. Thompson                      “beloved father, Poppy, and friend”

BOLIVAR, NY---David S. “Poppy” Thompson passed away on Friday, May 30, 2025, at his Bolivar home, in the presence of family. He was 80 years old.

Dave spent most of his childhood in Rochester, New York, mainly raised by his grandmother. He didn't take up residency in Bolivar until he met Ruth Colley Thompson. She was attracted to him because of his smile and his dance moves. They married on February 6, 1970. Dave was immediately cast into the role of stepfather to Ruth's four children. The household was a lively one, to say the least.

In 1975, he became involved with the Bolivar Volunteer Fire Department, and serving there became a passion. He held all but one office in the chief department and was Fire Chief twice. He was past president of the Southwestern Convention, past president of Allegany County Firemen’s Association and past chairman of the Fire Commission. It was his dedication and commitment that helped bring about a new building, constant improvements, and capable service to Bolivar area residents. He was honored recently with a celebration of his 50-year record. His fellow members of the fire and rescue staff gave him a standing ovation when he entered the fire hall just a few days ago. It was one of the highlights of his life.

Dave could be opinionated, bossy, and downright grumpy. Babies and dogs softened him and he loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He became known to them as “Poppy”, a title he revered. He had a special relationship with granddaughter Amanda, and even if they fought, they always made up.

For many years, Dave owned and operated Allegany Fence Company. After Ruth passed away in 2019, he decided he needed to be busier, and he started working for NAPA Auto Parts. He truly enjoyed that job.

Dave was a past member of the Lions Club and the Bolivar Legion. He served in the U.S. Army.

Surviving “Poppy” are his four children: Debra (Mick Belcher) Payne, John (Randy Cook) Kinnicutt, Diane (Bill) Sortore, and Jeanie (Mike) Kostun; grandchildren: Rene (Dave) Mitchell, Michael (Natalie) Sortore, Abby (Eric) Wallace, Joseph (Hannah) Sortore, Amanda (Corey) Yeoman, Brockton Kostun, and Noah Payne. He had eight great-grandchildren: Adele, Eian, Jacob, Lily, Harrison, Dunkin, Evelyn and Eleanor, and two sisters, Lois and Carol.

Dave was predeceased by his wife Ruth, his parents, and son-in-law Stan Payne.

Funeral services will take place on Monday, June 2, 2025, at the Bolivar Fire Hall, 460 Main Street, Bolivar, with visitation from 2pm to 4 pm, with the funeral to follow at 4pm, officiated by Pastor Dawn Quesenberry. Visitors are welcome to stay for a meal provided by Chauncey Crowley.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Dave’s name may be made to the Bolivar Fire Department, 460 Main Street, Bolivar, NY 14715.

The family thanks Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home of Shinglehouse, PA for assistance through this loss.

A special thank you to the Bolivar Fire Department for always feeling like a family to Dave. Also, to the nurses on the 2nd floor at Jones Memorial, thank you for giving him the best care possible.

Dave’s family entrusted his care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, PA.

To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Dave, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.