Edward John TOMPKINS

TOMPKINS, Edward John Of Phoenix, Arizona, formerly of Newton, MA, died peacefully on October 14, 2024, at the age of 65. His loving partner of 30 years, Sharon Metzger, was by his side.

Edward was the son of the late Dr. William D. Tompkins. He is survived by his devoted mother, Claire M. Tompkins of Buzzards Bay, MA; his son, Thadeus W. Tompkins of Durham, CT; his grandson, Michael Tompkins of Warren, OH; and siblings, Linda Tompkins and husband Carl Sputore of Perth, Western Australia, Victoria (Tompkins) and husband Kambiz Heydari of Wellesley, MA, and Teddie (Tompkins) and husband Eugene Hunt of North Andover, MA; a niece; and several nephews.

Edward was a 1976 graduate of The Rivers School in Weston, MA, and then went on to complete a post graduate year at Deerfield Academy in Deerfield, MA, where he was voted MVP Football player of the year. He graduated from Harvard University in 1981 with a degree in Economics. At Harvard, he was an active member of the Harvard Rugby Football Club that won the National Championship, the first time that Harvard had won in forty years. He established many longtime friendships through the Rugby club, and they recently celebrated their 40th reunion, which Edward attended.

Edward was an avid skier and outdoorsman. Edward was proud of his annual hiking and ski trip to Tuckerman Ravine - Mt. Washington, NH. He once led a group on a hike up Mt. Rainier National Park in Washington State. He was a true New England Patriots fan and never missed a game, even during his many years living in the Southwest. He will be remembered for his warm and outgoing personality, kind heart and zest for life.