Thomas McErlean

Thomas Patrick McErlean, III, 51, of Frederick, Maryland, passed away on May 3, 2026 after a recent diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Tom was born in Baltimore on July 22, 1974, the first child of Kerry and Tom McErlean. The family soon moved to Columbia, where they welcomed Katie, Andrew, and Lizzy to the family. Tommy spent his childhood teaching his siblings all about Legos, Star Wars, sports, nature, and music, among other things.

Tom graduated from Mount Hebron High School in 1994 and worked for Howard County Public Schools for the majority of his adulthood. He met many dear friends through his career, including in his most recent position at River Hill High School. He had many interests, including hiking along the Appalachian Trail and in Patapsco Valley State Park. Tom was also a music fan, with quite an impressive vinyl collection from a wide variety of electronic artists. His love of sports led to many heated discussions with his friends and family, with Tom rooting for the Baltimore Orioles, Liverpool Football Club, and Pittsburgh Penguins. 

Tommy put his family first in life and sickness, always looking out for his siblings. Tom leaves behind his sister Katherine Shaffer (Josh), brother Andrew McErlean (Erica Kempler), and sister Elizabeth McErlean (Justin Fox). Tommy’s favorite thing, though, was being an uncle. He made memories with his nephew and nieces on family trips to Carolina Beach and family gatherings, often leading the kids in pillow fights and other shenanigans. He will live on in the hearts of Liam and Roisin McErlean as their beloved Uncle Tommy, and in the hearts of June and Emilia Fox as their cherished Uncle Baba. Also surviving Tom are aunts Kim Gimblette and Eileen McErlean Keve and cousins John, Peter, Michael, Catherine, and Justin. Tom was predeceased by his parents, Thomas Patrick McErlean, Jr, and Kerry Murray McErlean, his dear grandparents, uncles Kip Murray, John Gimblette, and Pete Keve, and aunts Kristen Murray DeMilt and Diane Farinacci Murray. 

Tom’s friends and family are welcome to join in celebration of his life on Saturday, June 6th. There will be a graveside service at St. John’s Cemetery, 3480 St Johns Ln, Ellicott City, MD 21042 at 10:30 AM, followed by a celebration of life at the barn at Manor Hill Farm, 4411 Manor Lane, Ellicott City, MD  21042, from 12-3 PM. 

The family wishes to acknowledge the wonderful doctors and nurses, particularly those at the Kline Hospice House. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Tom’s name may be made to Frederick Hospice.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Thomas McErlean, please visit our Tree Store.