Tom Clawson

With profound sadness, we announce the unexpected death of Tom Clawson at the age of 73, only 19 days into his retirement after 50 years of teaching and a working life that began at the age of 11.

Born in Anchorage, Alaska, before it became a state, he married a Florida girl, raised a family of three children in Indiana and Virginia, and did the ultimate Irish goodbye as he slipped away quietly in his sleep in the beautiful Tetons on July 6.

His generous and loving heart gave so much to others throughout his life, including his wife of 44 years, his children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters-in-law, niece, nephew, great-niece and great-nephew, and dear friends. The universal description of Tom from all who knew him, even those who had only a single encounter with him was, “Such a kind man.”

After serving in the Air Force in Vietnam, his 50-year teaching career included schools in New Jersey, Indiana, and Virginia. He impacted thousands of students and many colleagues, creating a ripple effect that will continue for generations. He received multiple awards during his career, including being named Outstanding Teacher for Lawrence Township Schools four times, as well as fellowships from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, the Lilly Endowment for Research in the Humanities, the Lawrence Foundation Grant for Interdisciplinary Studies, and the National Endowment for the Humanities in American Studies.

Although he had earned a master’s degree, he planned to continue his graduate studies online through Harvard University during retirement.

In addition to teaching, Tom was the golf coach at Lawrence North High School. His teams had remarkable success, especially considering that Tom had to teach himself golf before he could teach them.

Tom loved literature and the lessons it teaches about history, culture, and human nature. He inspired others to value education and pursue their dreams. He sacrificed his own secret lifelong dream of earning a doctorate in order to support his wife’s dream of becoming a physician, serving as an actively engaged father to their young family throughout her years of medical training.

He encouraged his children and students to believe in themselves, and the results of his unwavering support have been reflected in the accomplishments of generations.

A Santa Claus look-alike, he embodied Santa’s joyful and generous spirit and often drew looks of wonder from children during the Christmas season. His twinkling blue eyes, sense of humor, nickname “Claw,” and birthplace gave him credibility as the real Santa. But it was who he was every day that will continue to carry that spirit with those of us who knew and loved him.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on October 10, 2026 at Woodgrove High School, 36811 Allder School Rd, Purcellville, VA

The gift of your love for Tom is what matters, and no further offering is necessary. However, if you would like to honor his memory, memorial donations may be made to Woodgrove High School and designated for the Tom Clawson Memorial Scholarship Fund. Established to continue Mr. Clawson’s life’s work, the scholarship will support students of strong character, perseverance, and financial need who quietly lift others up and understand that true success is measured not only by what they accomplish, but by how many people they encourage, guide, and inspire along the way. Through each recipient, Tom’s legacy of believing in others will continue for generations to come.