Thomas E. Murray, III

Thomas E. Murray, III passed away peacefully on August 31, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was born in Bronxville, New York on May 16, 1946. He grew up in a large family in Westchester County, NY.

At 14 years of age, Tom went to work at the 34th Street Heliport in Manhattan which was the start of his long and successful flying career. Tom learned to fly before he learned to drive and he taught flying from the age of 17. He continued to teach flying, even while he attended Georgetown University and also while he served in the Army. Tom was an excellent pilot and he 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 US Army Old Guard at Ft. Myer in Washington, D.C. Later in life, he was active in helping disabled Veterans.

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

A people person with a wonderful sense of humor and a big heart, Tom never met a stranger. He enjoyed meeting friends for lunches or taking walks. He often took family members, as well as friends and neighbors on local training flights, which they all enjoyed immensely. He was an active part of the Santa Barbara community and member of the YMCA for decades, making many friendships there.

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