Thomas Harold Etter (“Tom”), loving husband of Lee Ann (Moffett) Etter and beloved father of Brendon Thomas Etter and Lindsey Lee Etter, all of Virginia Beach, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 after battling MDS, a form of cancer, for a long time.
Tom was born on December 29, 1944 to Kathryn (Marks) Etter and Bill Etter, in West Rockhill, PA. He grew up in Quakertown, PA, attending Quakertown Community High School where he excelled at both academics and sports (including football, wrestling, swimming and track & field). After graduating in 1963, Tom attended prep school in Washington, D.C. and Bethlehem, PA while recovering from a football knee injury so that he could pass the entrance physical for the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Tom continued wrestling and playing football at the Naval Academy, graduating in 1969.
Following Tom’s commissioning as a U.S. Naval Officer, he served on board the USS TECUMSEH and the USS THOMAS JEFFERSON. Tom subsequently served as the Executive Officer of the USS PHILADELPHIA, Commander of the USS ASPRO and Captain of the U.S. submarine tender, the USS MCKEE. He also taught at the U.S. Submarine School in Groton, CT. In addition, Captain Etter was a member of the U.S. Naval Nuclear Power Examination Board and Deputy Inspector General for Performance and Director for Total Quality Leadership on the Staff of the Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet. Captain Etter was a highly decorated naval officer during his military career, receiving numerous medals, awards and recognitions. After Captain Etter retired from the U.S. Navy, he worked in management at Raytheon in Norfolk, VA.
Retirement enabled Tom to pursue other passions - among them gardening, cooking and volunteer work, including serving on town committees and as president of his local homeowner’s association. Tom became trained and certified as a Master Gardener, dedicating much of his time and energy to a community garden, together with a large church garden (which contributed significant amounts of fresh produce to a local shelter), as well as his own home gardens. Tom was widely regarded as a good and encouraging leader, who could facilitate productive discussions resulting in decisions and action.
Tom cherished his family and friendships. He was loved and respected by so many. Tom will be remembered for countless things, including his kindness, decency, goodness, patience, strong values and character , work ethic, leadership skills, love of football (a consistent attendee of ODU football games with friends), diverse interests, and devotion to God, country, family and friends. Tom was truly a solid anchor on whom others relied.
Tom is survived by his immediate family – his wife Lee of 44 years, and two children, Brendon and Lindsey, and their beloved family dog, Snuffles, as well as numerous close friends. Tom will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who wish to make a charitable donation in Tom’s memory to donate to Norfolk Botanical Garden using the link or address below.
