Thomas William Finta

Captain Thomas William Finta passed away on May 6, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas. He was 82.

Born in Soquel, California, Tom left home to attend the University of Oregon, where he joined the Sigma Chi fraternity and earned a degree in Anthropology. He remained a lifelong Ducks fan—and a lifelong learner, thinker, and leader.

He served over 30 years in the United States Navy, rising to the rank of Captain. As a Naval Flight Officer, he flew more than 300 combat missions in the F-4 Phantom during the Vietnam War. Later, as a test pilot, he helped bring the F-14 Tomcat into the fleet—ushering in a new era of naval aviation. His career included command of the legendary Black Lions (VF-213), executive officer of the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TopGun), and Director of Operations for NATO in Stavanger, Norway. Through it all, he remained proudest of his service and of the men and women he served beside. His career after the Navy took him to live in Ireland and Spokane WA before finally retiring in San Antonio.

Tom brought the same intensity to life outside the cockpit. He was a marathoner, a cross-country skier, a cyclist who logged hundreds of miles a week well into his 70s. He was an optimist, a patriot, and a man who demanded much of himself—and quietly expected the same from others.

His children never stopped being surprised by his hidden talents: expertly barrel-racing a horse or running a pool table like a hustler. He was a terrible dancer. And a worse barber. And a worse cook. But he was also a man of deep tenderness—stern and exacting with his sons, indulgent and protective with his daughters, and full of love for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He believed in loyalty, integrity, and attitude. He never made excuses, never complained, and didn’t tolerate either. He loved his people, he loved his country, and he lived a life that honored both.

Tom is survived by his wife, Sheri; his brother Jim, his children Jim (Dina), Lori, Brady (Bronwen), Gina (Brian), and Katya (Travis), stepchildren Cortney and William, his grandchildren Cale, Lindsey, Brianna, Tabitha, Gabriel, Bailey, Gillian, Anna-Grace, Brady, Mason, Mabel, Bryce and Lyla, Kira, Hunter and Lilith; and his many great-grandchildren. He was loved fiercely and will be missed fiercely.

A Visitation for Thomas will be held Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 9:00 AM at Sunset Funeral Home, 1701 Austin Highway, San Antonio, TX 78218.

A Funeral service will follow at 10:00 AM, and a Committal with Full Military Honors will be held at 11:30 AM at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209.

If you feel moved to honor his life, please consider a small donation in his name to the Wounded Warrior Project in lieu of flowers.