Thomas Michael Salter

Thomas Michael Salter, known as “Tommy” and “Tom,” a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away September 15, 2025, at his home in Kansas City, Missouri, after facing cancer with strength and grace. He was born October 20, 1961, in Baytown, Texas.

He was married to Mary Pinizzotto for over five years. Together, they inspired everyone around them with their continual learning and generosity. Tommy especially enjoyed ballroom dancing, regenerative farming, scuba diving, traveling, cooking, and making people laugh.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Pinizzotto; his daughter, Christina Lowrey (Chuck Lowrey); his stepson, Terry King (Jessica King); grandsons Daniel Lowrey, Michael Lowrey, Braden Preuss, and Brian Lowrey; and granddaughters Kaitlyn King, Kassidy King, Celia Smith, Quinn Preuss, Madden Lowrey, and Nora King. He is also survived by his siblings Dougle Salter, Milton Salter (Marion Salter), Janet McNabb, Kay Salter, Mary Reno (Stephen Reno), Di’Ann Jones (Daniel Jones), and John Salter (Norkys Salter), as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends. Tommy was preceded in death by his parents, Vera Celestine (Thomas) Salter and David Radford Salter.

Tommy spent his career serving the United States of America. He joined the United States Navy in 1981 and retired after twenty years of service. He then joined Homeland Security’s U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP). His final position with CBP was Director of the National Air Training Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. After retiring from CBP, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by purchasing a farm in northern Missouri, where he became a regenerative farmer.

In 2019, he moved to Kansas City and took up ballroom dancing—where he met Mary. They quickly fell head over heels for each other. Tom was a talented dancer and soon bonded with fellow dancers to form “the Amigos.” The Amigos shared many dancing adventures, with Tom’s playful spirit leading countless shenanigans.

A Celebration of Life with Military Honors will be held at The Sulgrave Regency, 200 W 49 St, Kansas City, MO 64112, United States, on October 1, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in the ballroom. Parking is limited at the Sulgrave.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Air and Marine Family Foundation (AMFF) at https://www.cbpamo.org/. This Customs and Border Protection (CBP) AMO‑focused nonprofit foundation offers a dedicated, community‑based approach to supporting the entire Air and Marine Operations.