Thomas Tom J Shaw

SHAW, Thomas “Tom” J. , 71, passed away peacefully in his home on Wednesday, May 20. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his infant son. Tom is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, his two sons, and his four grandchildren. Tom was born in Brooklyn, New York and grew up in Daytona Beach, FL. He attended the University of Florida where he earned a BS in Civil Engineering and married his college sweetheart in Gainesville, Florida in 1966. Tom was a pilot in the Air Force for 23 years serving from 1967 to 1990. Tom was a Vietnam veteran flying the O2 as a combat Forward Air Controller in 1968-69. He later flew the F-111 fighter bomber in both the U.S. and United Kingdom at RAF Upper Heyford. Tom worked for United Airlines for 13 years flying as a 777 pilot. He retired in 1990. In his busy retirement years, Tom was a successful Tampa small businessman operating both a custom woodworking business and as the owner and operator of the Gator Wash coin operated laundry. Tom was active in the community as a member of St Paul’s Catholic Church and as a supporting member of the Parkinson’s Support Group. Tom will always be remembered for his sense of humor, generous heart and deep faith in God. His family will remember him as a lifelong Florida Gators fan, loving husband, and caring father and grandfather. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, May 26, 2015 from 5:00-8:00 pm at the Blount & Curry Funeral Home- Carrollwood Chapel. A funeral mass will be held at St. Paul Catholic Church on Wednesday, May 27 at 10:00 am with full military honors rendered at 2:00 pm at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to LifePath Hospice, 3010 W. Azeele St.,Tampa, Florida.