Obituary , William, “Bill” Tompkins

William “Bill” Tompkins, 78, of Amenia passed away peacefully on April 16, 2021. Born and raised in Dover Plains, Bill spent his early childhood fishing, hunting, and exploring the outdoors with the same abundant curiosity that prevented him from sitting still in the classroom. This led him to forge his way in the workforce from a very young age until his very last months; and his dignity wouldn’t allow it to be done any other way. Although he was awarded an honorary high school diploma through the VFW, his credentials were proudly sought and earned in the school of industrious enterprise.

At the height of the war, Bill, who held patriotism in the highest esteem, enlisted in the Navy from 1967 until 1973 as a Seabee stationed in Rhode Island where he achieved Class 3 Swimmer status. During this time, he spent 18 months in Vietnam—a tour that he remembered and recounted in vivid detail and with enormous pride. He maintained his allegiance to his fellow comrades with a lifetime membership at the Dover Plains VFW Post 5444. Upon his return, Bill married his best friend and the love of his life, MaryAnn (Anderson) Tompkins on July 16, 1977. Throughout their years together, Bill was a fastidious employee at both Millbrook Central Schools and Ludlow Farm. With the utmost meticulous integrity, skilled hands, and a well-trained eye, Bill maintained their buildings and grounds impeccably with no blade of grass out of place. Although Bill took great pride in the beauty and flawlessness of his work and in his service to his country, nothing held a candle to the pride he had for the family he and MaryAnn built together. Despite being a man of few words, Bill’s love and adoration for his wife, children, and grandchildren were ever-apparent in the small gestures of kindness and gentle guidance he gave, as well as in the way his eyes sparkled and his big smile appeared in their presence. He found great pleasure in spending time with his family, whether enjoying a glass of wine and his signature chicken Parmesan, debating the political climate through his new-found lens of Republican perspective, or tossing bean bags in a spirited game of cornhole. Not only was he selflessly devoted in his role as a husband, father, and grandfather, but he also extended his generosity, kindness, wisdom, and gentle ways to extended family, friends and neighbors, as well. Bill’s amazing character, heart of gold, and easy smile, along with so many more wonderful qualities, defined the legacy his family hopes to carry with them and continue to pass on for generations to come.

Bill leaves behind, to lovingly remember him, his wife MaryAnn; his children Albert Tompkins III and his son Billy, Sherry Valyou and her husband Donny and their children Amber and Blake; siblings Kevin and Sylvia; stepchildren Angie Rapuoano, Richard Blevins, Michelle Ostavitz, Mary Allen and their partners and children who he always loved like his own. He was predeceased by his parents Albert and Pearl Tompkins; siblings James, Albert, Murvin, Mary, Anna Mae, Dorothy, and Karen; and a step-daughter Marie Blevins.

Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, April 23, 2021 at the Hufcut Funeral Home, 3159 Route 22, Dover Plains, NY. Funeral services will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 24, 2021 at the funeral home with Rev. Thom Fiet officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Valley View Cemetery in Dover Plains. For directions or to send the family an online condolence, please visit http://www.hufcutfuneralhome.com