Thomas James Metzler

1947 - 2025

Thomas James Metzler

March 20, 1947 - June 14, 2025

Chandler, Arizona - Thomas James Metzler, born March 20, 1947 in Lynwood, CA, passed away peacefully on June 14th, 2025 in Chandler, Arizona.

Tom was the only child of Alberto "Albert" and Marian (Klosterman) Metzler. Tom spent the formative years of his childhood in Whittier California. Tom is survived by his wife of 49 years, Kathy, his two sons, Matthew and Christopher, his daughter in law Taylor, as well as his grandchildren Jackson (17), Madison (15), Tynan (11), Claire (7) and Mila (3).

As a young man, Tom was a talented journalist. As a high school senior, he was awarded a prestigious prize for journalism and was chosen to visit the White House, meeting such American historical figures as Lyndon B Johnson and Robert F Kennedy. Tom had a deep love for American history, especially World War 2, where his father fought at D-day.

Tom earned a scholarship to the University of Southern California, where he found many of the most important relationships that would take him through his life. He joined the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity, cheered on his beloved USC football team, and truly earned the moniker "Tommy Trojan". After college, Tom moved to the South Bay of Los Angeles, and eventually settled in Manhattan Beach.

One of the constants in Tom's life was his love of his Trojan football team. After graduating USC in 1969, Tom's dedication to the Trojans never faltered. Saturdays in the fall were always a celebration, with a steady stream of friends, neighbors and more joining in the elation and despair (depending on the season) of the team. Whether the person was not a fan of the team, or even college football, Tom's excitement and enthusiasm would win over everyone in the end. Every neighborhood Tom lived in ended up being a neighborhood of USC fans!

While living in the South Bay, Tom met Kathleen Tynan, his future bride. Tom proposed after only knowing Kathy for three months, because he knew she was the one for him. And if you know, why would you wait to start the rest of your life? Tom spent the next 40+ years with Kathy, through many moves, two kids, and countless adventures across the globe. They moved to Fair Oaks in the mid 1980s, where they spent over 30 years raising their family.

Tom always chose to live his life with integrity. He instilled in his boys at a very young age the same beliefs his father instilled in him. Tell the truth. When you shake hands with someone, use a firm grip and look them in the eye. Always say please and thank you. If you face adversity, face it with your head up. And if you get knocked down, dust yourself off, get up, and try again.

Tom spent the past 9+ years fighting Alzheimer's and dementia. He faced it like he faced every adversity in life: with resolve and determination. And although the disease eventually took away his memory, we will never forget him. He will always be in our hearts and our thoughts.

A celebration of life will come at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer's Association of America.

We love you Papa.