In Memoriam
Van Thompson, 66, passed away quietly at his home in Annapolis, MD on Wednesday, January 5, 2022. Originally from Atlanta, TX, he was known as a founding force in managing, developing, and implementing wireless infrastructure in the mid-Atlantic region. In 1987, Thompson started a career as a purchasing agent for fiber optics in Texas and then moved to the Chicago area in 1991 with B&E Associates securing real estate for Cellular One tower sites. The following year he was moved to the Washington/Baltimore Market for an 18-month project and stayed for 30 years.
By 1997 through mergers, acquisitions, and a lot of hard work he became American Tower Corporation’s mid-Atlantic Area, General Manager. There, he managed and led the development of hundreds of tower development projects for what would become one of the leading tower companies in the world. After leaving American Tower, Thompson continued his tower development journey by opening TARA Communications. He also started and sold Invisible Towers and HTS Towers with business partners which led him to semi-retirement.
“Van was a force in the formation of the industry we now enjoy. A wonderful man, father and a gentleman in every way,” said AGL CEO and Publisher Rich Biby.
Thompson is survived by his wife Nancy of 46 years, two children Amy Marshal and TR Thompson, son-in-law Tim Marshal and daughter-in-law Nicole Thompson and seven grandchildren.
Additional photos and recollections of Van’s life can be found on a dedicated page at the John Taylor Funeral Home.
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