Thomas “Tom” R. Martin

MARTIN

Thomas R. Martin, age 78 of West Chester, PA, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, January 17, 2026, surrounded by family.

Tom was born and raised in the Overbrook section of West Philadelphia. At an early age, he formed deep friendships with people in his neighborhood, bonds he would carry throughout his life and that sustained and enriched him for decades.

He served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War, working as an airplane mechanic. His service sparked a lifelong, deeply felt patriotism. After his military service, Tom spent the majority of his career as an aviation safety inspector with the Federal Aviation Administration, where he served for 42 years. He concluded his tenure in 2009 as Manager of the Philadelphia Flight Standards District Office (FSDO).

Tom loved riding his 1960 Harley-Davidson Panhead and driving his 1962 Corvette. He also loved traveling with his wife of 54 years, Donna (née Migliori), whether exploring Europe and Alaska or simply driving the beautiful backroads of Chester County together in his Corvette. He loved nothing more than a warm slice of apple pie, always chasing the taste of the pie his mother made for him as a child. No pie ever lived up to hers.

Those who knew Tom will remember him as a devoted father, loyal friend, and terrific storyteller. He never took a beautiful day for granted and would regularly stop to smell the roses. He had a green thumb and was known to talk to his plants as he watered them. Tom had a wonderful sense of humor, and he and Donna knew how to throw a good party, whether big or small. His community of family and friends was the most important thing in his life, and the people who loved him felt that from him regularly.

He was predeceased by his parents, Mary (née Barclay) and George Martin, as well as his siblings George Martin, James Martin, and Edie Thompson.

He is survived by his wife Donna and his children, Thomas F. Martin (and his wife, Sarah) and Kristyn M. Martin McNamara (and her husband, Daniel), and his four grandsons, Thomas J. Martin, Thaddeus S. Martin, Theodore J. Martin, and Daniel T. McNamara, whom he loved deeply and delighted in watching grow and evolve. He was a foundational force in each of their lives.

Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing on Friday, January 23, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., followed by his funeral service at 12:00 p.m., in the Main Chapel at D’Anjolell Memorial Home of Broomall, 2811 West Chester Pike, Broomall, PA 19008. Interment will follow at Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery.

Those who knew and loved Tom are encouraged to wear their favorite Hawaiian shirt, a staple in his wardrobe and something he brought out whenever there was a celebration, a beach, or simply a gin and tonic to be shared.

Flowers are welcome, or contributions in Tom’s memory may be made to Tunnels to Towers.

Tom will be remembered by the love he put into the world every single day. Let us celebrate him now with equal love and light.

ARR. DANJOLELL MEMORIAL HOME

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