Lt.Col. Thomas Andrew Pyrch

Thomas (Tom) Andrew Pyrch of Raleigh, NC passed away at home on Thursday, January 4, 2018 after a 12 year battle with cancer. Born January 29, 1952, in Bridgeport, CT, he was the son of the late Nicholas Andrew Pyrch and Lucille Sloan Pyrch, of Milford, CT.

After graduating from Milford High School, Milford, CT, Tom attended the United States Air Force Academy. He graduated with a BS in Engineering Sciences in 1974. He also later received a Masters in Aeronautical Engineering from Embry-Riddle University. Following graduation, he embarked on a long and distinguished military career in the United States Air Force. He began his service as a F-4 pilot. Lt.Col. Pyrch was a command pilot, logging over 1,000 flight hours in the F-16. He flew numerous combat missions during Operation Desert Shield/Storm, receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism. He concluded his service as a Squadron Commander at Shaw AFB, SC.

In his retirement, Tom moved with his family to Raleigh. He worked briefly in financial planning, fully retiring in 1995. Tom enjoyed supporting his sons in all their academic and athletic events. A lifelong adventurer, Tom enjoyed traveling with his wife, skiing, gardening, reading, and woodworking. His fondest memories were spent with his family at Lake Gaston. More recently, he loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Tom is survived by his wife of 37 years, Rebecca “Becky” Pyrch; sons 1LT Andrew T. Pyrch, and his wife, Jenni, of Colorado Springs, CO and Scott T. Pyrch, and his wife, Lauren, of Alpharetta, GA; and grandchildren: Amos, Izzy, Katherine, and Laney.

Survivors also include brothers: James Pyrch, William Pyrch, Edward Pyrch, and Patrick Pyrch; and sisters: Debra Pyrch, Angeanetta Murray, Margaret Bowlan, and Maureen Pyrch.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Nicholas Pyrch, Jr., and his parents.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Frances Collichio and Paula Landman of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center for their tireless efforts during his care.

The family will receive visitors on Friday, January 12, from 5 to 7 PM, at Renaissance Funeral Home of Raleigh. A memorial service will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, January 13, at North Raleigh Presbyterian Church, 11905 Strickland Rd., Raleigh.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, CB 7295, UNC-CH, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, or the United States Air Force Academy Endowment, 3116 Academy Dr, Suite 200, USAF Academy, CO 80840.