Percy F. Tompkins Jr.

Percy “Tommy” Tompkins Jr., 93, passed away May 25th at his residence in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. Born in Yonkers, N.Y. in 1924, he was the son of Percy Sr. and Dorothy (Cullen) Tompkins. Percy grew up in Pleasantville, N.Y. and graduated from Pleasantville High School. He attended college at SUNY Delhi, before joining the U.S. Army. Percy proudly served with the 806th Engineer Aviation Battalion in the Pacific Theater of WWII. As a Technical Sergeant, he participated in the building of aircraft runways in Saipan and Okinawa in preparation for an invasion of Japan. While overseas, he was pen pal writing with a member of the U.S. Navy WAVES, stationed in Washington, DC, who was a “friend of a friend”. After the war he met up with this pen pal, Mary Magruder, and she became his soul mate for life. Together they enjoyed 62 years of love, family, friendship and travel.

Percy and Mary were married in 1947 and moved to Ithaca, N.Y. where he graduated from Cornell University. Settling in Otego, N.Y., Percy worked for the Keebler Corporation for 25 years before leaving and becoming owner of the Otego Hardware, his favorite career. With Mary, they also managed the Sidney Senior Village retirement community. After retirement, Percy thoroughly enjoyed substitute teaching at various High Schools even into his 80’s. He enjoyed seeing his grandchildren in school and said that the students kept him young. Traveling the U.S. in their RV was also a high point in his life.

Percy was very active in the community as a Past Master of the Oneonta Masonic Lodge, Otego Village Trustee, member of the Otego Fire Department, and trustee of the Otego Methodist Church. Avid sports fans, Percy and Mary would often be spotted at many local high school sporting events, as well as having “designated seats” at the Oneonta Tigers baseball games.

Percy is survived by his children; James (Debra) of Rockwall, Texas, Kenneth (Jana) of Denver, Colorado, Kevin (Joanne) of Richmond, Virginia, Bruce (Lorraine) of Manlius, NY, Brian (Laurene) of Saratoga Springs, NY, thirteen grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren. He is predeceased by his wife Mary, his brother Jay, and his sister Susan.

The family would like to thank The Wesley Community for their love and attention of Percy over the years.

Calling hours will be from 12 PM to 2 PM on Monday, June 4th at the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, 14 Grand St., Oneonta, N.Y. A brief service will follow at 2 PM. Burial with military honors will take place in Otego Evergreen Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions may be made to Disabled American Veteran Independence Dog Fund (DAVID) https://duodogs.org/ in his honor.

Condolences to the family may be made online at www.grummonsfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, Oneonta.