Tom was a great friend and father figure to many children besides his own. My daughters have happy memories of being in the robotics club with the Settles after their own dad died. Our heartfelt sympathy goes to Becky, Michaela, Alexandra, and TJ.

Kathy, Miranda, and Claire Heins 

When I was working on starting the Gadget Girls robotics team, I had no clue what I was doing or getting myself into.  Even though Tom was busy and the distance was great, he was willing and eager to help me get started.   His support and passion for robotics was amazing and inspiring, and he was such a great help.  The love and support of his whole family was incredible, and I wish them all the love and hugs I can send!  I will miss my friend...his patience, his laugh, and his desire to bring kids to engineering and robotics, no matter their background.  He will be remembered fondly...Deanna 
 (and Victoria)  Welker ................#OMGRobots!

Tom coached both of my kids, although years apart, on robotics teams. In both cases, finding Tom’s team was unexpected and truly our great fortune. 

With my oldest son’s middle school FLL team, my first impression of Coach Tom was, I admit, a little shocking. As parents, we showed up on competition day, eager to meet the team and see what this robotics thing was all about. I noticed other teams huddling about with plenty of mentors interacting with the kids, but to my surprise Kirk’s team seemed to be on their own, no coach or mentor in sight. Still, the kids were well prepared and organized, collaborating on their various activities amongst themselves and moving in and out of matches with purpose. Finally, after the competitions were over and the event was packing up, we finally met Coach! His team had run independently and successfully.  We were extremely disappointed the following year to learn that robotics was no longer offered at the school.

Four years later, Karl my youngest, was eager to join a robotics team. We again bumped into Coach Tom and the “Pink Detectives”! Many evenings while the kids packed up gear and loaded cars, Tom and the other parents chatted. It was during these conversations that I really got to know Tom and see his passion for mentoring. It was inspiring and contagious. Tom explained his mentoring philosophy: to develop self-sufficient, analytical engineers. When technical issues occurred, the kids would work the problem and resolve the issues themselves, no reliance on the adults!  Three years later, Karl started his own robotics team, completely student-led and wholly  inspired by Coach Tom’s philosophy. 

The news of Tom’s passing leaves me with great sadness, for myself and especially for his family. It is easy to see Tom’s passion for robotics and inspiring young kids to explore science has been a family life style. He will be sorely missed. 

I’m very sorry for the loss. I got to know Tom when I first joined Cisco 15 years ago.  I still remember when he formed a small group with us newbies to teach us new technologies and everything else we needed to get up to speed.  He gave great advice and guidances to us all. I’m fortunate to have been one of them. Tom was very knowledgeable while easy to approach. He was funny and kind - still remember his laughs. I’m grateful to have met and worked with him.  My deepest condolences. 

Best Regards,
Jennifer Yeung


I only knew Tom for a short time and remotely as I am in the UK and we worked together at Arista Networks.

Tom was always a good-humoured, kind person to me and the team.  

So sad to hear of your loss. Condolences to the family for the loss of their Dad, husband, son and brother. 

Tom introduced robotics in my son Tushaar's life and was a big influence on him.  It was unbelievable and difficult to hear the sad news about Tom.  He was truly a great coach, an exceptional mentor, and yet patient with his students.  Tom was generous with his time and shared his knowledge easily.   My son Tushaar credits his interest in robotics and skills to Tom.  We remember fondly our time with him.  
Anuj Jain
Divya Jain
Tushaar Jain
Mrenaal Jain

Tom was a great co-worker and friend. My job was as the CCIE Proctor in Cisco's RTP campus. The CCIE exam is an 8 hour soul stealing, ego crushing exam.  Tom was a CCIE Proctor earlier in his career.  When I met Tom, he shared his love for robotics and his family and mentioned he could provide coverage as a backup CCIE Proctor when I wanted take time off.  Whenever Tom filled in for me I knew there would not be any problems to come home to.  That made going on vacations a lot less stressful.  I really appreciated Tom and his friendship. Tom will be greatly missed!!

I only worked with Tom for a year at Arista Networks.  Tom was always so kind and generous to help.  I was shocked to hear about such a loss. I did not know Tom really well but know by his approach with others that he was a guiding sole.  Tom, you will be missed. 

The very first time I played tournament poker in July of this year, I sat between Tom and Jen. Tom and Jen were the first two people I met when joining this poker family. 

After awhile, Tom noticed I wanted to move ahead in my poker playing and he started teaching me about odds, math, and to always be aware at the poker table. He asked me why I was playing poker and I told him it was to move onto play for cash. 

We sat for hours one night before a game and he had me download poker cruncher and we talked about odds, different starting hands, combinations, and strategy.

His goal for me was to get out of my comfort zone, widen my range and play suited connectors. The night that I did, we played at the same table, he was the dealer and I was in the blind. I was dealt connectors, played them and won with them and Tom cheered for me at the table. This was one of the very best memories I have of Tom. 

He was coaching me through my poker and I loved him the more I got to know him. The night he passed away, I hit a Royal Flush in Hearts in a cash game. I didn’t know that he had passed away yet but the next day when I heard the news, I felt that it was a sign from him to me that he was there. I dedicated that Royal Flush in Hearts to Tom. I considered him a dear friend who was smart and special and I loved him. 

My prayers go out to all of his friends, family, and loved ones. I will miss him dearly and I thank him for all of his words of wisdom on and off the poker table. 

Mr.Settle had a huge impact on many people, inspiring a love for science and robotics. I knew him not only as the father of a good friend, but as an extraordinary coach and mentor. I helped mentor Lego robotics teams through viaRobotics and it is probably one of the best experiences I had in high school and one of the most impactful in my life so far. I gained a lot of confidence through that mentoring program and a love for teaching that I still have today. The way he allowed the kids he coached to explore problems, make mistakes, and come up with their own solutions  was one of the best ways to learn. He was always willing to help the high school robotics team that his daughter, Michaela, and I were on with such friendliness and unending patience. The Settle family are in my thoughts and prayers. 

Little did I know that one of our St. Albans former residents was right here in Apex. Denise and family. Please accept our most sincere condolences. Our grandson has been involved with some various camps, so hopefully, he was influenced by your brother.  He seemed to have done some great things for our community.

Graduated with Tom & St. Albans High School ijn 1985.  We had Chemistry classes together. He was always very inquisitive especially about how things functioned in a vacuum..... Enjoyed get togethers with him and his future wife Becky @ Susan Baxter's house.  We had chemistry study parties where we partied more than studied. So sorry for your loss Becky Settle & the Settle family..You have my condolences...

My best wishes to Tom's surviving family. I first met tom over 15 years ago when I started at Cisco. It was obvious early on that Tom had a passion to help guide and grow those that may be early in their respective interest or career. I will always be grateful for the help and guidance Tom provided me with as a pup out of college.

Best Wishes, 
Matt Esau


Very SAD to hear this. We have started the Robotics journey by joining the Tom's ViaRobotics (involved in various teams). We are involved in FIRST because of Tom. My son has joined his team starting FLL, till the VEX, and then jumped to FRC and continuing. He is in college (comp sci) and still we talked about how Tom has helped us to be involved in FIRST.  And now my daughter started her own team last year with the help of my Son, My both kids and myself involved in FIRST Robotics, it's because of Tom. 
Tom was the best coach and great person. He will be missed. 
Our condolences.  RIP.

-Sunil 
Head Coach
- Rainbow Robo Panda (FLL) - welcome to join our team
- Robo Turtles (FTC) Girls only Rookie Team - welcome to join our team

I have so many fond memories of Tom from high school. He was smart, sweet, goofy and lovable. He lived across the street from my best friend so we sometimes hung out together. I can remember when he first started dating Becky, too. Marrying her was definitely one of his best moves! I’ll be keeping her and their kids in my prayers.  Can’t believe he’s gone so young...

You are so missed by your Poker Family, your charm, your wit and wonderful sense of humor will be in our memories of you. It's truly with heartfelt sorrow that we say goodbye to Turtle... Randie and Bruce Klein


Be thinking of all Tom's family in this difficult time. I have so many great memories of Tom and all the Settles from going to the pool, living in our neighborhood and probably one  of the smartest and disciplined friend  in my graduation class. Gone so young and such a positive, kind nature gentleman and will be praying for all your siblings, dad,  becky and your kids and all. 

Tom was a wonderful mentor when I entered the world of FLL ten years ago.   He was kind and giving always willing to give a helping hand.  His giving spirit was evident in his family and all those who knew him.  He will be greatly missed.  My condolences to his wonderful family. 

My condolences  to your family .Tom will be missed in the FIRST community.

Tom did a lot to help me when I entered into the world of FLL over 7 years ago.   I always enjoyed running into him at FRC competitions.   His excitement for students and robots was catching.   He will be missed.

--Alan


Tom ,aka Turtle you will be forever missed ,and hold a special place in our hearts ♥️.Jen you ,and the family are in our thoughts, and prayers 🙏🏻❤️


Sincerely,& with love,
Janet & Eric Kafader 

OBITUARIO

Thomas Michael Settle

17 julio, 1967 – 30 noviembre, 2019

Apex Funeral Home

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