NYC businessman and police supporter Albert “Big Al” N. Thompson passed away March 8, 2026. Thompson was a self-made businessman from Harlem who spent 30 years in the Marines. His post-military business ventures allowed for him to become a philanthropist who championed support for NYC police, including supplying food and water at Ground Zero during 9/11, and honoring members of the service at a yearly event. His funeral mass is set for 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at The Parish of St. Charles Borromeo Resurrection and All Saints Church at 211 West 141st Street, New York, NY 10030.
A retired U.S. Marine, successful businessman, civic and community leader, Mr. Albert N. Thompson, was born and raised in Harlem. He rose from humble beginnings, joined the United States Marine Corps and rose to the rank of Master Sergeant, and spent 30 years of dedicated military service to his country. After a distinguished military career, Thompson became an entrepreneur and partnered with Pabst beer. In 1984, he became the first African American master wholesaler, distributor, and importer for Star Beer Inc., out of Ghana, West Africa. Other business ventures included partnership with Banks Breweries of Barbados, and launching his own soda company through A & J Beverage. Businesses managed by Thompson grossed in excess of $13 million annually.
During 9/11, Thompson worked tirelessly at Ground Zero: providing food and water for over 15,000 law enforcement agents, construction workers, and military personnel. He also supplied the same to the New York Police Department Headquarters Command Center.
Thompson’s community service includes founding the Bernice Riley Thompson Scholarship Foundation. Thompson’s signature work through the years was donating toys to disadvantage youth in his community through the “Toy-for-Tots” program. Thompson also started the Hale House Toys-for-Tots program and served on the USMC Toys-for-Tots program. Each year, needy children in over 30 institutions (hospitals, shelters, schools, churches, and community organizations) benefit from these toy donations.
Thompson was awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, named an Honorary Deputy Chief of the FDNY, and was inducted into the Roman Catholic Order of the Holy Sepulcher as a Knight Commander and was promoted to the rank of Grand Cross. He was also an Honorary Director of the Public Safety Department of the City of White Plains, New York.
Mr. Thompson is survived by his son Albert N. Thompson II, daughter Valora, son-in-law David, and grandson Vaughn.
