Thomas (Tug) George Swartzlander Jr. - Cremation Society of Virginia

Captain Thomas (Tug) George Swartzlander Jr.

Date of Death: September 8, 2020

Captain Thomas (Tug) George Swartzlander Jr., 65, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 8, 2020 after a courageous battle with brain cancer. By his side was his loving wife of 29 years, Barbara. He was preceded in death by his father Thomas George Swartzlander and his mother, Mary Josephine Swartzlander.

Thomas was born in Columbus, Ohio and graduated from North High School in 1972 while pursuing his dream of flying. At age 15, Tug was employed at a small airport in Columbus, Ohio to earn money for flying lessons. He was awarded his private pilot’s license at the young age of 16 and his passion for flying was fully established.

After completion of high school, Tom enlisted in the United States Air Force and served four and a half years as a meteorologist based in Germany. Upon his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Tom attended Arizona State University and graduated in 1982 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Aviation.

He continued flying both as a career pilot and for pleasure for the next 50 years. Tug began his career flying private jets and by the time he retired, had achieved the rank of Captain flying the Boeing 767 at UPS (United Parcel Service). One of his goals was to fly to or visit all 7 continents which he accomplished in 2020 with a cruise to Antarctica.

As a private pilot he continuously challenged himself by learning to fly countless models of aircraft, including the 1943 Stinson L-5 which he proudly flew for the Virginia Commemorative Air Force (CAF).

Tom generously donated his time by volunteering in air shows and various flying clubs. One of his proudest moments was flying the 1943 Stinson L-5 Sentinel aircraft over the National Mall in Washington DC during “The Arsenal of Democracy World War II Capital Fly Over” celebrating the 70^th anniversary of VE-day.

Tom was a member of many pilot associations and flying clubs including Quiet Birdmen, American Legion, Commemorative Air Force, Independent Pilots Association, and a life time member of EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association). Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Barbara, sisters Karen Fountain, Gretchen (Jeff) Miller and Lisa (Dave) Osborn, his nieces and nephew Jennifer, Jessica, Rebecca, Linda, and Scott and many loving and supportive friends. He will be truly missed.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating in Tom’s name to Sheila’s Place of Va. Beach or Winks from God! Brain Tumor Support Group 0f Hampton.

Tug, always fly high in perfect skies!

Cremation Society of Virginia

Light a candle Light a candle

Flowers & Gifts

Arrangements starting at $35

Plant a Tree

See Condolences

So very sorry to hear of Tom's passing. The last time I saw him was in Anchorage Alaska. He and I use to fly on the B707 at SAT (Southern Air Transport)

So sorry to hear about Tom. We met at Arizona State University, both of us were veterans, getting degrees in transportation. Upon graduating, Tom, of course, went into aviation while I into the railroad industry. We stayed friends and in touch over these many years including periodic sit downs when Tom had layovers in Houston. There are rumors that old Sun Devil transportation majors have special rooms to get together in the afterlife. One room is on the top floor while the other is in the basement. We know which room we will meet in. Until then, old friend.

TUG was a great friend and a true gentleman. I flew with him in the CAF. He flew my Texan expertly as he did everything. I am saddened and will miss his guidance and smile always.

Dear Barbra & Family, It is worth the great sadness I learned of Tom’s passing and will spend my remaining time missing him, fom our time together in the Civil Air Patrol, waxing airplanes at Don Scott Airfield for rides, to talking about fly-fishing and the one that got away. I remember the first time when Tom and I took our first flight at Don Scott. We were admiring the different plane from afar and eere near the taxiway and a brown Cessna 172 had just warmed up and was passing us and we both stuck out our thumbs like hitchhikers and the plane stopped. The pilot threw open the door and offered us a ride. Needless to say, with huge grins on our faces, we jumped in and Tom love for flying was sealed. A special thanks to Mr. King, of King Advertising, for allowing two young kids to tag alone while he “blew the rust out of the engine” flying around Columbus on that cold cloudy morning. That small gesture changed our lives. I will miss Tom immensely but will have a lot of great memories of him and his family. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal. Our deepest condolences. John & Betsy Sidorenko

Love to all of you--Tom will never be forgotten!

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Barbara, my heart felt condolences during these difficult times. Tom was a great person and we became fast friends almost immediately when I met him in 1988 at Southern Air Transport. In his later years I teased him about how much he looked like Charlie Chaplin did in his 60s. I will miss Toms infectious smile and laugh. Rest In Peace my dear friend.

Barbara and I are truly saddened by Tom's passing. We sincerely wish peace and comfort for the family. I met Tom through Lisa and Dave Osborn at their home. We quickly bonded over a mutual love of aviation and flying. Tom shared with me his enthusiasm for preserving our aviation history through the Commemorative Air Force. I particularly appreciated the personal tour of the Stinson L-5 and sometimes shared thru e-mail. We will remember Tom as a great person, patriot, and aviator! Steve and Barbara Hellwege Brandon, FL

There aren't the words at a time like this. My memories of our flying careers and especially our time living at the "ranch" will be with me forever. Building that RV-7 in the back room was truly "fun". Bucking rivets drinking beer and whiskey. Driving that old tail dragger around Louisville and up the river was pure soul satisfying. Its how life is meant to be lived. You certainly did live life your way. Now you've taken your final flight West. God speed and I'll look you up when I get there.

My memories are the trip to Osh Kosh!!! Fun Best to you Barbara Eagle and the quiet birdmen

So very sorry for your loss Barb. We will remember the wonderful times we had with you and Tom and loved the time he came through Montreal and we had a surprise call and visit from him. He was a very special man and Rudy and I loved him.

Bobbie, as you know well, Tom was truly gentleman. I will miss our conversations on history, politics, and whisky. Debie and I are so very sorry for your loss.

I had the great pleasure of flying with Tom numerous times over the past 20 years at UPS. Blue Skies my friend. And a final “Burro”.

So very sad to lose him. His spirit will live in you forever

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.