Dr. Thomas Joseph “Tom” Gal, MD, 76, of Charlottesville, Va., passed away on October 17, 2018. He was born in Harrisburg, Pa., to the late Joseph and Helen Dugas Gal.

Tom was a graduate of Villanova University 1964, and Jefferson Medical College Philadelphia, Pa., 1968. He did his residency in anesthesia at the University of Pennsylvania 1969-71. He was also a Lieutenant Commander, Medical Corps USNR as an attending at Navy Regional Medical Center, Portsmouth, Va. 1973-75 Tom came to the University of Virginia Medical Center as an assistant professor of anesthesiology in 1975, where he became full professor in 1987, and continued to work until he retired in 2008 after 35 years at UVA. During his tenure at UVA, one of his many noted services to a professional organization was as a senior board examiner for the American Board of Anesthesia.

Tom the “WGA” will long be remembered for his love of the sun. “Happiness is no tan lines.” Tom was also an avid BMW car enthusiast. This was demonstrated by the love of his “first child,” a 1969 Grenada red BMW 2002 which he still drove as of late.

In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his wife and soulmate of more than half a century, Mary Jane Gal. He is survived by his daughter, Christine Gal of Leesburg, Va.; his son, Thomas J. Gal Jr., MD, of Lexington, Ky; his sisters, Helen M. Marzano of Allentown, Pa., and Maryann Foley of Flourtown, Pa.; and brother, Joseph Gal of Pittsburg, Pa.

There will be no formal memorial service. His ashes will be kept next to his beloved wife, Mary Jane. At a later date Tom and Mary Jane will be reunited again as their ashes are cast over their favorite Caribbean vacation spot. Please consider making a memorial gift donation to the Thomas J. Gal, MD lectureship: UVA Medical School Foundation, P.O. Box 800776, Charlottesville, VA 22908.