Julian D. Pompilio

Julian D. Pompilio, 56, of Berkshire, NY, died February 6, 2025, at UHS Wilson Hospital in Johnson City, NY.

Julian attended Lehman Alternative Community School in Ithaca, NY, and earned a GED. Although Julian did not have much formal education, he was constantly learning and had an enormously varied skill set. His many jobs ranged from bike messengering, neon sign installation, construction work, custom cabinetry, sustainable plywood alternatives and architectural plaster molding renovations. His favorite job was at the Sciencenter in Ithaca, NY, where he spent his time as an exhibit fabricator, helping to design and build educational and fun exhibits for the museum. You can read their touching tribute to Julian at sciencenter.org/honoring-julian-pompilio

Julian was an avid musician and incredible drummer. He played with many bands in NYC and Ithaca including Dog Soldiers, Fast Lane, Molotov Cocktail, Simon and the Bar Sinisters and Public Nuisance. His latest bands included The 86ers, Get Off My Lawn, Drew Kiddoo and the Blackouts and Mill Bastards. There will be a memorial show on April 17th at The Deep Dive (415 Old Taughnnock Blvd. Ithaca, NY, deepdiveithaca.com) There may be a livestream available for out of town folks interested in participating.

Julian had many different interests. He built three beautiful wooden strip kayaks, and it was one of his greatest pleasures to kayak on Cayuga Lake and paddle camp in the Adirondacks. He and his friend Chi kayaked the length of the New York state canal system. He converted his pickup truck into a camping vehicle to pursue his love of astrophotography, producing many spectacular photos of the night sky. Julian loved his family and friends fiercely. He was incredibly proud of his son, Griffen Pompilio and also his brother, Jesse Pompilio. He was the best friend and soulmate to Kristina Strang. He always found the good in people and was an eternal optimist. To honor his memory, try to embrace life to its fullest as he did, and live each day with passion and excitement for big ideas, music, science and creativity. The world has lost a beautiful and unique soul with his passing.

Thank you to the staff of North Tower 4 at UHS Wilson Hospital for the kindness and compassion shown to us during his final days. In lieu of flowers, consider donations to the Ithaca Sciencenter, 601 1st Street, Ithaca NY, 14850. (sciencenter.org/donate/) to help them continue their mission of fostering curiosity and wonder in children.

Julian is survived by his life partner, Kristina Strang, son, Griffen Pompilio, mother, Loretta M. Louviere (Jude (Tony) Louviere), father, Raymond T. Pompilio (Pamela Stansbury), mother and father in-law, Constance and Joe Grispino, brothers, Jesse Patrick Pompilio, Louis (Chip) Sisbarro Jr. (Lecretia Irene Trujillo-Sisbarro), Michael James Hegarty 3rd (Ali Doyle), step-brother, Michael A. Louviere (Sarah Louviere), step-sister, Michelle Daniels Louviere (Todd Daniels) aunt, Jane Pompilio George (Ron George), nieces, Asha Pompilio and Adelyn Louviere, nephews, Shea Tresner, Alex Louviere, Louis Sisbarro 3rd, Patrick Trujillo Sisbarro, cousins, Michele George, Michael George (Melissa George), Haley and Dominic George, Damien Devitt, Nora Devitt Moritz (Chad Moritz). Many rescued cats and a hermit crab.

Memories and condolences can be shared in his guestbook online at www.macphersonfh.com. The family is under the caring guidance of MacPherson Funeral Home in Newark Valley.