Thomas J. "Bum" Steer

CDR. Thomas John (TJ) Steer, USN Retired

Thomas John (TJ) Steer, of San Diego died Wednesday January 2, 2013, of brain cancer at
the age of 50.
He was born to Grace and Robert Steer on July 3,1962 in Switzerland and grew up in
Larchmont NY. TJ graduated from Mamaroneck High School in 1980 and received his BA
from Colgate University in 1984.
TJ became a Naval OWicer in 1985 and went on to become a Naval Aviator in 1986. His first
assignment was as an Instructor Pilot in Meridian MS, and he then went on to become an
F-14 Pilot at NAS Miramar, in San Diego. He served in VF-114 and VF-124 and then VF-101
until 1996, when he left active duty. He continued his service to his country in the US Navy
Reserves, at VR-57, until he retired at the rank of Commander in 2007. After leaving active
duty, TJ started his new career as a pilot for United Airlines in 1996. He flew the Airbus 320,
Boeing 747 and 777.
TJ was an exceptional man in many so ways. He was funny, generous, kind, and loyal. His
sense of humor was unique and brought great joy to everyone he knew, even until the last
days of his battle with cancer. His display of courage, faith, quiet determination, and fighting
spirit was inspirational for his family and friends and will live on. TJ was blessed with many
friends throughout his life because he was always one.
TJ met the love of his life, Barbara Pineda, in 1995. Barbara and TJ were blessed with a
perfect marriage and four wonderful children. ViviAnne (12), Thomas (10), Clara (8), and
Elsa (8). Also surviving are his parents, Grace and Robert, the families of Pete and Bob,
Barbara’s mother, Anne, and her brothers Bill, Federico, Tomas, Daniel, and Andres.
The wake and visitation will be held at the El Camino Memorial Encinitas chapel on January
8 from 5-9 pm. A mass will be held at St. John’s Catholic Church in Encinitas, CA on January
9 at 11am with military honors and cemetery services following at El Camino Memorial in
San Diego at 1:30 pm. A reception will follow at the Officers’ Club at the Miramar Air Station.
God bless you, TJ.