Tom majored in English and joined Elm Club and the Nassau Lit. After teaching at the college level for two years, he returned to Princeton and joined the first class in the graduate program in comparative literature, where he earned a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in 1968. Tom photographed the March on Washington in 1963, published a book on his experience, and exhibited the original prints.
In 1979, he left academics and became a professional jazz musician, playing the trombone in many of the finest jazz groups and venues for decades. Broadening his horizons, in 1990 Tom added his lifelong love of photography to his professional repertoire, with fine art photography that was featured in many one-man shows.
He authored numerous books, translated other books from the five languages he spoke fluently, and was featured on 10 jazz albums, two movie scores, and 15 art exhibitions.
Tom died July 25, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Cynthia; sons Peter and Michael ’87; seven grandchildren; one great grandchild; brother Michael ’55; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. A retrospective exhibition of his photographs and a jazz service will be held in December.