Richard W. Tompkins

Richard W. Tompkins                               “beloved husband, father, and grandfather”

DUKE CENTER, PA---Richard W. “Rick” Tompkins, 77, a lifelong resident of Duke Center, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 26, 2026, in the Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY.

Born on Wednesday, January 12, 1949 in Bradford, he was a son of Walter W. and Bernice M. Vaughn Tompkins. On May 23, 1998 in Allegany, NY, he married Dawn M. Nickerson Mesler, who survives.

He was a graduate of Bradford High School. Rick served his country in the US Army during the Vietnam War.

Rick was employed by the US Postal Service as a postal carrier in Smethport for many years, walking his 10 mile route everyday, delivering to his many friends he made throughout the years. He retired after many years of service.

He was a member of Shinglehouse American Legion Post 530 and a member of Eldred American Legion Post 887. He enjoyed hunting with the boys. His greatest love was his family.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 28 years, Dawn; five daughters, Lisa Knapp of Smethport, Amy Fox of Derrick City, Tonya Hauser of Duke Center, Jazmin (Tim) Sutton of Springville, NY, and Chantella Reed of Duke Center; four sons, Rick (Dawn) Mesler of Shinglehouse, Rod (Jamie) Mesler of Shinglehouse, Todd Mesler of Duke Center, and Jason Mesler of Friendship, NY; many grandchildren; a brother, William Tompkins of Erie; four nephews, Mark (Tammy) Tompkins, Brian (Maggie) Ruth, Mike Ruth, and Jay (Theresa) Bird; and a niece, Donna (Greg) Cunningham.

In addition to his parents, Rick was predeceased by a brother, Kenneth Tompkins; two sisters, Sharon Bird and Marge Ruth; and a son-in-law, Zackary Hauser.

Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life on Sunday, August 9, 2026 at the Shinglehouse American Legion Post 530, 1364 SR 44 S, Shinglehouse, from 1pm to 4pm. Members of the Potter County Honor Guard will accord military honors at 3pm at the Legion on August 9, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Rick’s name may be made to the Sons of the American Legion Post 530, 1364 SR 44S, Shinglehouse, PA 16748.

Rick’s family has entrusted his care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, Funeral Director/Owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Rick, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.