Obituary of Thomas Mack

Thomas P. Mack died peacefully, at his home in Venice Florida on March 6, 2022. He was 67.

Thomas was born in Saigon, Vietnam to Mary Mack and the late Thomas Mack Sr. He spent his childhood living in many exotic locations, including Hong Kong, Vietnam, Thailand, Pakistan and Bangladesh. He graduated from the International School of Bangkok, in the class of 1973. He went on to study at the University of Colorado, on an ROTC scholarship, where he earned a B.A. in Biology and later earned an M.S. at the University of Southern California. Tom was commissioned into the Air Force in 1977 where he worked on Space and Intelligence issues for 21 years. He deeply valued his military friends and service. He was stationed in Belgium as Chief of the Air/Maritime Section at SHAPE. He served as a Squadron Commander at Schriever AFB and as a Group Commander at Petersen AFB. A highlight of his early career was working as a White House Social Aide at social events during the Bush and Reagan administrations. He introduced guests to the President, escorted dignitaries and celebrities including Colin Powell and Jimmy Stewart.

Tom had an incredible work ethic, a positive attitude and always got things done, even under adversity. He deeply valued his family, Catholic upbringing, and Irish heritage. He was very knowledgable, with a charming smile that put people at ease. He had a great sense of humor, loved to play practical jokes and saw the humorous side of life’s situations. He was a great story teller and usually the life of the party. He loved recounting stories of his adventures as a child in Asia; hunting tigers, owning a monkey and raising carrier pigeons. Tom retired to Florida in 2014 and became an avid boater. He was happiest fishing in the Gulf and river waters with his friends. He made a great grilled Snook. He was a runner and ran the Pike’s Peak marathon on several occasions. His other love was Astronomy. He spent many hours looking up into the dark skies with his numerous telescopes. He belonged to the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club and traveled looking for clear, dark skies with fellow astronomers.

Tom was predeceased by his brother Christopher, and father Thomas Sr. He is survived by his loving family: his mother Mary, wife Alison, his daughter Erin, his son Devon, his sister Maureen and husband Don, his brother Brian and wife Cathy, his sister Kim and husband Randal and his loving nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery on 6 July 2022 at 3:00pm. A reception will follow at the Patton Hall Officers Club at Joint Base Ft. Myer. A Visitors Pass is required. Apply online. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. https://www.pancan.or