Thomas E. Murray III passed away peacefully on Aug. 31, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was born in Bronxville, New York, on May 16, 1946.

He grew up in a large family with six children in Westchester County, New York.

When he was 14 years old, Tom went to work at the 34th Street Heliport in Manhattan. That was the start of his long and successful flying career.

Tom learned to fly before he learned to drive, and actually taught flying from the age of 17. He continued to teach flying, even while he attended Georgetown University, and while he served in the Army.

Tom was an excellent pilot, who enjoyed a full career as a pilot instructor, not just in New York and Washington, D.C., but also in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara.

Tom was very proud of his time serving in the U.S. Army Old Guard at Ft. Myer in Washington, D.C. Later in life, he was active in helping disabled veterans in Napa, California.

In 1991, Tom met Gail, and they were married a few years later. Tom was a devoted husband and stepfather, and they had a full and happy life together raising Gail’s two sons in Santa Barbara.

A people person with a wonderful sense of humor, Tom never met a stranger and had many lifelong friends. He enjoyed meeting friends for lunches or taking walks. He was an active part of the Santa Barbara community and member of the YMCA for decades, making many friendships there.

Tom had a great sense of humor and a big heart. He often took family members, as well as friends and neighbors, on local training flights, which they all enjoyed immensely.

Tom leaves behind his beloved wife, Gail, of 34 years, their two sons and three grandsons, his sister, nieces and a nephew, and many extended family. He is greatly missed.

A celebration of Tom’s life will take place at a later date.