Thomas Murray Chasser

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Thomas Murray Chasser, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, who left us on December 15th, 2025. Born on April 14, 1945, in Blantyre, Scotland to Williamina Sampson Chasser and Chief Constable Thomas Wood Chasser, CVO QPM. Tom's life was a tapestry of love, adventure, and cherished memories.

Tom was a member of the Aberdeen Grammar School class of ’63 and a graduate of Robert Gordons College. He began his career with Commercial Union in Britain, followed by significant work with LP Gutteridge in Bermuda. He then helped lead the insurance and risk management department at Exxon Mobil, a very special part of his life. Tom was known for the worldwide relationships he built on trust, knowledge, and meticulous execution of insurance contracts. His career at Exxon Mobil was marked by strong bonds with colleagues and friends.

Tom's passions extended to volunteering with Irving Cares, The Proton Center, and The Stew Pot. His faith was an important part of his life, and he was proud of his role as an elder, contributing to his community with dedication and compassion.

Despite battling cancer, Tom's resilience shone through, supported by his devoted wife, Rita (Margaret), a retired nurse who guided him through treatments. Their life together was a voyage that started in Scotland, continued through many years in Bermuda, a stint in London, and a move to the U.S. in 1986 where they lived in New Jersey, Houston, and eventually retired in Dallas. They loved to travel, discover cuisine, and enjoy time by themselves and with friends and family. While they had the energy to travel and explore new places, they also loved to relax and enjoy the ocean and beach. Their move to Winter Park in 2023 brought them closer to family, enriching their final years with love and companionship and deepening friendships created in fellowship at WP Presbyterian and Tai Chi class at Crosby Wellness Center. Besides his family, his other true love was golf. For those of us who learned the game from him, you would quickly understand the importance of pace and etiquette on the links. And yet again, the friends he made along the way were lifelong; whether at Belmont (Bermuda), Fiddler's Elbow (NJ), or Hackberry Creek (TX).

Tom and Rita were married on February 8, 1969. Tom was a strict but supportive father, deeply involved in his children's lives. He coached his children's swim team in Bermuda, fostering a love for sports and teamwork. As a scrappy rugby player, he played for the Bermuda Police team, making lifelong friends and treasured memories.

Family vacations were a highlight, with trips to New York, Hawaii, and Arizona, creating a tight-knit family unit. His Scottish roots remained important, with memorable visits to Scotland, especially during Hogmanay.

Tom was immensely proud of his family, especially his four grandchildren. He adored his only granddaughter, a dedicated swimmer at the University of South Carolina, and was equally proud of his grandson McLeod, who has grown into a remarkable young man pursuing his career after graduating from the University of Florida. He delighted in visiting Rocco and Nick, admiring Rocco's transformation into a thoughtful conversationalist with a growing interest in swimming, and Nick's wit, mischievous sparkle, and newfound love of football.

He held great respect for his son-in-law, Chris, admiring his dedication to his career and improving golf game, and for his daughter-in-law, Cathy, appreciating her insights and the love she showed his family.

Tom's legacy is one of love, strength, and humor. He will be remembered for his generous spirit, his love of a good conversation, and his resilience.

He is survived by his loving wife, Margaret Dunn Chasser, son Tom(Cathy) Chasser, daughter Julie(Chris) Candiello and grandchildren McLeod Chasser, Caroline Chasser, Rocco Candiello & Nicholas Candiello.

The family will be gathering privately to celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to MD Anderson (https://www.mdanderson.org/donors-volunteers/donate.html) or Winter Park Presbyterian Church (https://winppc.org/give/) in his honor.