On Tuesday, October 4, 2022, Thomas M Tompkins (Tom), loving husband and father of three, passed away peacefully at his home in Riverview, FL at the age of 77.
Tom was born
on 12/14/44
in Bronx, NY to Louis Tompkins and Ivy Elms, alongside his siblings Eileen (Sable/surviving) and Diane (Methot/deceased). He connected with the love of his life Catherine (Kersting) at the tender age of 13 - and officially united in marriage in 1965. After graduating from Cardinal Hayes High School, he received his Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from Manhattan College in 1966. From there, he enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed at McClellan Air Force Base in Sacramento, California. In 1970, he returned to New York where he worked for Xerox while completing his Master's degree in Engineering Management at Rochester Institute of Technology. In 1977, he moved to Connecticut (Trumbull) and secured a position as Sr. Director of Engineering & Manufacturing at United States Surgical Corporation, where he was awarded several patents that revolutionized how surgical procedures were done. Through his hard work and dedication, Tom retired in 1991. His post-retirement years were spent in the gulf coast of Florida, which he exuberantly referred to as "God's Country!"
Tom was a devoted family man who spent his retirement years enjoying the sunshine and simple moments: laughing and creating precious memories alongside family and friends. He also worked at Pace Center for Girls, Immokalee, where he taught math to at-risk girls. He was known for his spirited temperament, passion for fixing everything, and his endless support and guidance for his loved ones.
Tom is survived by his wife Catherine and his three children: Lisa (Bob Gabriel), Christine (MD), and Barbara (Brian Klepper), five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
