Thomas James Padovano, age 73, of Marysville, died peacefully Friday, June 29, 2018 at his home surrounded by his loving and faithful family.

He retired in 2015 as a flight instructor for Flight Safety International at John Glenn International Airport in Columbus. In addition to his time as a flight instructor, he served a 50-year career in aviation as a commercial and corporate pilot. For almost five years, he was associated with Overseas National Airlines.

Among numerous fond memories, he flew many celebrities during his career, including the Thoroughbred racehorse and triple-crown winner, "Secretariat." In 2015 he was presented the prestigious Master Pilot Award by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). He was a member of the pilots' association, "Quiet Birdmen."

As a young man taking flight lessons in Teterboro, New Jersey, he met the love of his life, Nancy Albino. They were married in 1968. As a young couple, Tom and Nancy raised a family of four children while relocating frequently until they settled in Marysville in 1979.

Tom was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church where he served on parish council, was an usher and was a fourth-degree member with The Knights of Columbus. A veteran of the United States Air Force, he served in Vietnam. He was a member of Marysville VFW Post 3320, American Legion Harold Kerr Post 173 in Bellefontaine and Indian Lake Loyal Order of Moose. He was a trustee and past exalted ruler of Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge 1130 in Marysville.

A man of great spiritual faith and a devoted husband, father and grandfather, he will be remembered for his fun-loving practical jokes and his willingness to help others.

He was born January 10, 1945 in Jersey City, New Jersey to the late Otto Salvatore and Rita Mary (Lancaster) Padovano.

He was also preceded in death in 1996 by a son, Michael W. Padovano and in 1993, by his sister, Rita Curcillo and in 2018, by a brother-in-law, James McWilliams.

He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Nancy M. Albino Padovano, whom he married October 19, 1968 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Rutherford, New Jersey; two daughters, Jenine (Doug) Bertke of Coldwater and Rhonda (Dan) Tipple of Ostrander; his son, Tommy (Jamie) Padovano of Richwood; his grandchildren, Megan Stephenson, Grace Bertke, John Bertke, Mia Tipple, Jacob Tipple, Anthony Padovano, Garrett Padovano and Emma Padovano; his brother-in-law, Frank Curcillo of Florida and sister-in-law, Angela McWilliams of New Jersey; many nieces and nephews and other relatives; and Vinnie, his service dog.

The family received friends 3 to 8 p.m. Monday, July 2, 2018 at Underwood Funeral Home where an Elks memorial service was held followed by The Holy Rosary.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated 11 a.m. Tuesday at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Michael W. Padovano Scholarship Fund in care of Marysville Board of Education.

Condolences may be made to the family at www.underwoodfuneralhome.com.