Raymond A. "Smiley" Thompson

Raymond A. "Smiley" Thompson, age 71, a resident of Darien, Ill., formerly of Monmouth County, New Jersey, died Friday, July 9, 2010 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, Ill. He was born May 7, 1939 in Mountain View, Ark. Ray is survived by three children, Steve (Julie) Tenute of Naperville, Ill., Sherry Rizzi of Monmouth Beach, N.J. and Terry (Joseph) Picco of Colts Neck, N.J. and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Oace and Desi Thompson and sister, Gladys Thompson. Ray played the drums/harmonica with Bobby Brown & The Curios. Known for their "rockabilly" sound, Bobby Brown & The Curios were a hot act for the beach clubs along the Jersey coast for many years including the late 1950's and early 1960's. Ray later owned and operated Thompson Heating and Air and worked in sales for Home Improvement USA. He enjoyed the outdoors and fishing. Private family graveside services will be held Monday, July 12th at Warrenville Cemetery, Warrenville, Ill. In lieu of flowers, memorials to: American Cancer Society, DuPage Area Office, 1801 S. Meyers Rd., Suite #100, Oakbrook Terrace, Ill. 60181. For info. (630) 355-0213, www.friedrich-jones.com.