Joseph J. Tompkins

Joseph J. Tompkins, resident of Melrose, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, March 11, 2022. He was 70 years old. Born in Boston on May 25, 1951, Joe is one of five children of the late Raymond C. and Josephine (Iannillo) Tompkins. He grew up in Charlestown and Chelsea. He loved playing highschool football and was an excellent receiver. When he turned eighteen Joe enlisted in the United States Army and was an Airborne Ranger in the 75th Ranger Regiment serving in the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1971 and was a proud veteran. Upon his return stateside, Joe first started working as a truck driver at East Point Trucking Co. Eventually he started his own company, the J. Joseph Trucking Company. He mainly made trips up and down the eastern seaboard and was exceptionally proud of the company he built. Joe also worked as and was a highly regarded Wedding Photographer and ran a small Christmas Tree lot for 40 years. Joe loved his family, was proud of all their accomplishments, and relished time with all of them. He was a prankster at heart and took great pride in teasing his children, grandchildren, and other family and friends. Joe, also known as the Dog Whisperer, had a great love for animals and was the proud owner of his black lab Coop. He enjoyed playing poker with his friends, gardening, growing giant sunflowers, fishing with his grandchildren, golfing, and family vacations at the lake. Joe's love for his family, teasing nature, and love for life will be missed by all. Joe was the beloved husband of Judy N. (Sampson) Tompkins with whom he shared 44 years of marriage. Devoted step-father of Keith Denehy and his wife Heather of N. Reading, and Kimberly Guay and her husband Stephen of Wakefield. Dear brother of Diana Craven, Joanne Tompkins, the late Raymond Tompkins, and his late twin Julie Laudenslager, step-siblings Marietta Mondello, and the late Joey Pagliuca. Cherished grandfather of Alexandra, Madison, and Hannah Guay, and Nisa, Kate, and Jack Denehy. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather during visiting hours at Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Saturday, March 19 from 2-5pm. Military Honors will be presented at 4:45pm. A collation will be held following the Visitation at 5:30pm at Anthony's of Malden, 105 Canal St., Malden. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joe's memory may be made to Wounded Warrior Project.