March 28, 2008     

WATERTOWN, N.Y.  —  Robert J. Tompkins, 84, of Midtowns Towers, died Friday, March 28, at University Hospital in Syracuse after falling at home and suffering a head injury.

Born Dec. 27, 1923, in Watertown, a son of Herbert S. and Marguerite Hallen Tompkins, he graduated from Immaculate Heart Academy in 1947 after his first honorable discharge from the Army. 

Before re-entering the Army and during his military career, he attended North Carolina State University at Raleigh, Georgetown University, St. Lawrence University. He graduated from Fayetteville State University with a bachelors of History and also received an associates of arts degree from the University of the State of New York. 

Mr. Tompkins entered the Army on Jan. 14, 1942, and was honorably discharged on Oct. 1, 1981, as sergeant first class. During his military career, he served as an Infantryman and a Broadcast Journalist. During World War II, he participated in the Air Offensive in Europe where he received a Purple Heart for wounds received during a mission. Mr. Tompkins also served in the Vietnam War. Due to his exemplary service he received seven Good Conduct Medals, fifteen Air Medals and two Meritorious Unit Citations among his many medals and awards he received. He is a member of the 390th Bomb Group Veterans Association and a life member of the 301st Veterans Association.

On March 25, 1985, he received a letter of appreciation from Major General William S. Carpenter Jr., then Commanding General of Fort Drum, for donating a commemorative World War II Victory Collection of engraved commando knives. 

On Oct. 29, 1996, he received a commemorative medal representing “The 50th Anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War (World War II) from then Russian President Boris Yeltsin.

Surviving are three sisters, Anne Ehrbar, New York City, and Delray Beach, Fla., Mary Leana, Baldwinsville, and Alice Carol, Ga.; and several nieces and nephews. 

His brother, Herbert, died previously.

Calling hours will be 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the D.L. Calarco Funeral Home, Inc., with a 5 p.m. funeral service with Rev. Leon Schilling officiating. Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery.




Information provided by D.L. Calarco Funeral Home and Newzjunky, Watertown, N.Y.