Thomas “Tom” Larson, 59, of Haines City, Florida, passed away peacefully at his residence on January 14, 2026. He was born on December 17, 1966, in Denver, Colorado. In 2021, Tom relocated to Florida from St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. A proud veteran, Tom dedicated 20 years of his life to serving in the United States Coast Guard, retiring honorably as a Chief Petty Officer.

Tom was known for being down to earth, quietly funny, observant, intelligent, and deeply trustworthy. Adopted as a baby by his parents Roger and Antoinette Larson in Colorado, he experienced an unconventional childhood that included living aboard a boat in the Caribbean—an early adventure that shaped his lifelong love of the sea. At just 18 years old, Tom followed that calling by joining the U.S. Coast Guard, where he built a distinguished career and served with honor until his retirement on October 31, 2005. After retiring, Tom and his wife, Amy, embarked on a four-year circumnavigation aboard their 35-foot yawl. With his sharp wit and exceptional mechanical abilities, Tom ensured safe passage to countless ports across the world. He later spent over a decade living in the Virgin Islands, serving as captain of the M/V Sadie Sea, working for the Virgin Islands National Park, and generously donating trips to island residents and visitors. Among his proudest achievements was founding a Team River Runner chapter on the island, where he worked closely with disabled veterans, creating opportunities for healing, camaraderie, and connection among fellow service members. A true man of leisure, Tom treasured his quiet moments, his beloved fur babies, and the time spent with his family.

He was preceded in death by his father, Roger Larson. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Amy Larson; his mother, Antoinette Larson; his brother, Ron Larson and wife, Loretta Larson-D’Angelo of Encinitas, California; and his sister, Janice Wilson and husband, Doug, of Salem, Oregon.

Services are planned to be held at the Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego, California later this year.