John A. Tompkins

John A. Tompkins Sped to The Lord on Sunday afternoon, January 8th, while surrounded by his wife, children, grandchildren and sons-in-law, Howard Appell and Thor Dyson. All present marveled at the blessed nature of John's transition from this life to the next as hands were laid upon him, prayers were offered and songs were ardently sung. Left behind for now are John's wife of 63 years, Ann Owens Tompkins and seven children, Joanne Tompkins Hale, Kathy Tompkins Appell, John Michael Tompkins, David Anthony Tompkins, Rev. Terrence Peter Tompkins, Helen Tompkins and Julie Tompkins Dyson. Also adjusting to an earthly existence without John are his 11 grandchildren, Brendon, Jennifer, Jonathan, Elizabeth, Sian, Heather, Allison, John Patrick, Christalene, Beau and Kiera, and five great grandchildren. John was born in Spokane, WA but came to the Golden State where he celebrated his fourth birthday and stayed on to the great satisfaction and delight of all who met him! He was a vibrant member of his Catholic parish, Corpus Christi for over 53 years serving as Lector, Eucharistic Minister, CYO coach and St. Vincent de Paul Conference Member. He was an active member of the Oakland Serra Club serving as past president and district governor as well as Knights of Columbus. John also found time to serve as a Prolife Crisis Counselor at Birthright. John was in the Naval Reserves and called to active duty immediately when America entered World War II. As a lieutenant he saw action in the South Pacific, was badly injured but recovered fully. John graduated from Oakland High School and U.C. Berkeley and then received his J.D. from USF Law School. His first career was as an accountant and his second career was as a law professor at S.F. City College. He also enjoyed teaching accounting at the city jail in San Bruno, retiring for the second time at the age of 78. He was justifiably proud of his Irish ancestry and is now enjoying his newly acquired citizenship in Heaven. The services are as follows: Wed., Jan. 11th, 6 PM, Visitation at Corpus Christi Church in Piedmont, followed by a Vigil Liturgy at 7 PM. Thursday, Jan. 12th, 11 AM, Funeral Mass at Corpus Christi Church in Piedmont, followed by a graveside service at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Hayward. The family encourages donations to: Mercy Retirement and Care Center, 3431 Foothill Blvd., Oakland, 94601 or Casa Vincentia, a ministry that support mothers-to-be, 3210 62nd Ave., Oakland, 94605.