Tommy, Tom , Mac, Dad, Grandpa and Pops. Thomas Edward McAllister passed peacefully on November 10, 2021. From his early days in Glen Head New York, he was drawn to music and the way it brought people together. It started at a young age of four with piano lessons and sheet music study with his grandmother that he tried to fake his way through. He quickly graduated to the trombone thanks to his long arms and he enjoyed many a impromptu parade through the neighborhood that consisted of his aunts uncles and grandparents striking a festive tune playing in the band. After moving on to Lehigh University he quickly joined the infamous Marching 97 known for their marching prowess, musical chops and occasional shenanigans. While at Lehigh, he earned a double degree in business and metallurgical engineering which translated into several decades in sales and marketing, mostly for Alcoa, which had him constantly on the move. Even during this phase in his life he continued to engage his passion for music singing and playing instruments for church choirs, makeshift bands and the occasional Saturday night jam session that could keep kids up well past their bed times. But Tom really hit his stride when he retired and dedicated most of his time to further mastering his favorite Bach Stradivarius trombone, gifted to him by his father at the age of 10. In these years he kept the spirit of that beloved instrument as well as favorite dixie land band jazz alive and kicking. From this passion he built a new community of friends and incredible band mates to share this joy, but was frequently surrounded by family and friends young and old who would occasionally get in on the act themselves. It was during these retirement years that he also found tremendous joy in spending time, playing, sharing stories with, teaching and photographing his grandchildren. Playing multiple instruments, usually without sheet music, he found joy in the warmth of music. With perfect pitch, a methodical drive, a penchant for telling great stories(most of which were true) and a big personality that could bring a smile to anyone's face, he regaled his friends and family with his gifts right until the end of his life. Tom was a loving father to Nancy, Karen and Jim. He was proud grandfather to Maddie, Emily, Olivia, Will, Julia and Caitlin and beloved big cousin to Peter Vogel.