W. Thomas "Tommy" Zander

Tommy was a lifelong New Orleanian having graduated from Audubon Elementary, St. Martin's Episcopal School, and Tulane University where he was an officer of the Kappa Alpha Order.

After college Tommy worked as a photographer, substitute teacher in the public school system, and as a junior executive with a health non-profit. In 1966, with very little flying experience he was hired as a pilot for United Airlines, a position he held for the next 34 years. With United he flew just about every aircraft that the airline had from the Douglas DC-6 through the Boeing 747-400. He retired as captain on the 747-400 flying to Europe and the Far East. Throughout most of his career, he lived in New Orleans even though that meant commuting to work in Chicago, such was his love for this city. While commuting, he was a partner and co-founder of The Camera Shop with locations Uptown on Maple Street and in Old Metairie.

During his life, Tommy was a member of the New Orleans Country Club, the Southern Yacht Club, the Pass Christian Yacht Club, and the Bienville Club among others.

He was a member of the alumni board of St. Martin's Episcopal School, the board of directors of the Shipwatch Surf and Yacht Condo Association and was president of the 1010 Napoleon Ave. Association. Tommy was a longtime, beloved art auctioneer at WYES-TV.

He is survived by the love of his life, his wife Sandra “Sande” Bishop Zander, his son and pride and joy, Scott Thomas Zander, Scott's beautiful and talented wife, Camille Bradford Zander, and their remarkable, lovely and brilliant daughter, Ava Leigh Zander. He is also survived by his former spouse, Carolyn Carter Zander. His granddogs, Bean (deceased) and Ginger, loved Tommy as well.

He is also survived by his sister Marjorie Z. “Lolly” Rosemond and husband John of Roanoke, Virginia, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, in-laws, out-laws, and friends both locally and around the globe.

He was proceeded in death by his father, Karl M. “Duke” Zander, his mother, Marjorie Thomas “Biddy” Zander and his brother, Karl M. “Winky” Zander, Jr.

Tommy lived life to the fullest and his zest for life will be missed by all who knew him. Tommy welcomed family, friends, and friends of friends to countless Saints-watching parties, Mardi Gras festivities, and family celebratory gatherings. He particularly looked forward to getting together with treasured friends for their annual AMBI (After Momus, Before Iris) Lunch held on the Friday before Fat Tuesday. Tommy was a Jazz Fest diehard who could nearly always be found at the front of the Fais Do-Do Stage – come rain, shine, or ankle-deep mud.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church, 1545 State Street, on Thursday, February 10, with Visitation from 1:00 – 1:45 pm and a Memorial Service at 2:00 pm. At a later date, Tommy will be interred in the cemetery at Grace Memorial Episcopal Church in Hammond, Louisiana. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church (1545 State Street, New Orleans, LA 70118), or the charity of your choice, are preferred. To view and sign the guest book, visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com