Thomas Eugene Stalzer

Thomas Eugene Stalzer, a retired U.S. Army colonel and long-time resident of Springfield, VA, died on February 22, 2025, at the age of 78. A devoted husband and father, and a doting grandfather, he dedicated his life to his country and his family.

Born November 8, 1946, in Berwyn, IL, Tom was the second of six children of Air Force Brigadier General Eugene A. and Claire Elaine Stalzer (née Gilleran). He grew up on Air Force bases across the United States as his father held numerous posts in the Air Force Strategic Air Command.

Upon graduation from the University of Dayton in 1968, Tom was awarded a BS degree in management and commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. An Airborne Ranger and Field Artilleryman, he completed tours in Vietnam, South Korea, and Germany, as well as three tours in the Pentagon and assignments at Fort Bragg and Fort Sill. His military decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, and Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster.

Tom received his MBA from Boston University in 1978. Following his retirement from the Army in 1994 after 26 years of service, Tom joined Raytheon, where for 16 years he managed command and control programs in direct support of the U.S. military.

Dedicated to providing support for soldiers and serving the poor and the homeless, he was a committed volunteer for organizations such as the Potomac-Liberty Chapter (formerly Fairfax-Lee) of the Association of the United States Army, Catholic Charities, and Christ House.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 57 years, Susan Simmons Stalzer; their three sons, Sean (Karen), Mark (Amy), and Kevin; seven grandchildren: Alexis, Kyle, Madelyn, Hannah, Aurelia, David, and Gus; and siblings Carol Bratton, Michael and Robert Stalzer, Mary Pat Sandone, and Kelley Dragonette.

A memorial service will be held on March 18th at 4:00pm at Demaine Funeral Home, 5308 Backlick Rd, Springfield, VA 22151, with reception to follow. Interment at Arlington National Cemetery will be held privately at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Wounded Warriors in Tom’s memory (https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org).