Steven Robert ‘Beef’ Thompson
Sept. 18, 1949 – Sept. 10, 2025
Thompson
Steven Robert “Beef” Thompson, 75, of Altoona, peacefully passed away at home on Wednesday, surrounded by his loved ones after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Reading, son of Robert and Marian (Hess) Thompson. In 1951, his family moved back to Altoona, where his dad coached Roosevelt Junior High football.
He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy (Lacorato); children, Robert (Stephanie) Thompson and Cassie (James) Grassmyer; his grandchildren: Emma and Dillen Thompson, as well as Rio (Jake), Dayton and Oaklee Grassmyer; two sisters-in-law, Susan Thompson and Judy Lacorato; and a nephew, Sam (Anneke) Lacorato.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Marian Thompson; in-laws, Ralph and Marion Lacorato; brother, David Thompson; brother-in-law, Ralph Lacorato; sister-in-law, Joanna Lacorato; as well as his beloved grandson, Jack Grassmyer.
From a young age, Steve fell in love with sports. He ended up being a standout athlete at Altoona High School in football and basketball. Steve, like his father, was awarded the Joseph F. Cohen Blanket.
He was also named an All-American football player in 1967 and went on to play football at Duke University. Steve was a registered PIAA football official for over 17 years. Beef played basketball well into his 40s with the local men’s 35 and over league. He loved socializing with long-time friends and acquaintances, often visiting Jack and George’s, Bellmeade Inn, Hotel Belmar and the Swiss Club of Altoona. Beef was long-time president of the Swiss Club of Altoona until he retired in 2019.
Steve was a man of strength, integrity and unwavering dedication to his family. From a young age, he carried a strong work ethic. He was an entrepreneur and small business owner at heart, but his most cherished role was being Big Pappy. His grandchildren and grand-dogs at home (Jayce, Rogue and Stu) brought him immense pride and joy.
Steve will be remembered for his love of the game, his generous spirit and his ability to make everyone smile (and have a good time).
Visitation will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 15, 2025, at Myers-Somers Funeral Home Inc., 501 Sixth Ave., Altoona, where a prayer service will be held at 6 p.m. All who knew and loved Steve are welcome to attend and celebrate his life. Private interment will be held at Alto-Reste Park at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Steve’s name to UPMC Children’s Hospital Foundation in his grandson, Jack Grassmyer’s, memory.
myerssomersfuneralhome.com