Dr. Elbert L. Tompkins III

Dr. Elbert L. Tompkins, III Elbert "Bert" Tompkins of Groton, MA passed away peacefully on December 2, 2016 at his home surrounded by his loving family following a long illness. Bert was born March 11, 1929 in Germantown, PA. He was a graduate of Westchester State University, PA where he majored in music, and Columbia University where he earned his doctorate in Industrial Psychology. Bert was a Musician-First Class Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy, taught at the Naval School of Music, and played at the inauguration of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Professionally, Bert was an international management consultant and professor at Fitchburg State University. As an active member of his community, Bert served as: Board member of Luk Crisis Center in Fitchburg, MA; President and Director of Groton Center for the Arts (now Arts Nashoba); past President and active Board member of Fort Devens Museum; member and past President of Groton-Pepperell Rotary Club; and member of Groton Council on Aging. Bert was also a communicant, deacon, and choir member of the Union Congregational Church of Groton, MA. Bert proudly played drums in Groton's annual Memorial Day parade, as well as community bands in the surrounding towns of Ashby, Townsend, Leominster, and Fitchburg. Bert was an avid reader, student of Egyptology, and ballet enthusiast. He had a love for animals and a deep appreciation of nature. His other interests included camping and traveling. Bert is survived by his wife of 63 years, Edith S. Tompkins, his children Geoffrey T. Tompkins and wife Kimberly Eckert-Tompkins of Groton, MA, Brian B. Tompkins and wife Tamra K. Tompkins of Red Bank, NJ, Cynthia L. McGuire and husband Joseph W. McGuire of Mason, NH, and Beverly M. Tompkins and husband Smith E. Anthony of Beverly, MA. Bert is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Thomas M. and Daniel J. McGuire, Brittany A. Tompkins, and Douglas W., Phillip G., Andrew E., and Patrick B. Tompkins. Relatives and friends will be received by the family on Tuesday, December 6, 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm at BADGER FUNERAL HOME, 45 School Street, GROTON, MA. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 17 at 2 pm at Union Congregational Church, 218 Main Street, Groton, MA. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Luk Crisis Center, 545 Westminster Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420, Fort Devens Museum, 94 Jackson Road #305, Devens, MA 01434, the Memorial Gift Fund of the Union Congregation Church, 220 Main Street, Groton, MA, or Arts Nashoba, P.O. Box 716, Groton, MA 01450.