Thomas J. Tallon
January 11, 1950 - November 1, 2025
Tom was born on January 11, 1950 to Robert and Betty Tallon in Salt Lake City and passed away peacefully in his home in Eugene, Oregon on November 1st, 2025.
Tom lived a rich and purposeful life, full of warmth, love and laughter. He was passionate in his love of family and friends, his dogs, and the fire service. He worked his way through the ranks of the Salt Lake City Fire Department, beginning his career in 1974 and eventually serving as Fire Chief for nearly five years. Tom moved to Eugene,Oregon in January 2000 to accept the position of Chief of the Eugene Fire & EMS Department, which he held until he retired in July, 2006. He took great pride in his years in the fire service, as well as having completed the Executive Leadership Program at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government.
Tom’s retirement years afforded him the time to build his dream home and to landscape and tend his beautiful yard, which included a 4-hole putting green and a forested view. Entertaining there and sitting around his fire pit were some of his most joyful times. He loved playing golf and the opportunity it provided to spend time with so many good friends. He was particularly proud of hitting three holes-in-one.
Those who knew Tom were enriched by his kindness, humor, steadfast integrity, and strength of character. He embodied the fire service tenets, “Duty, Honor, Service.” Tom could not have been prouder when his sons followed him into public service with their own successful careers in law enforcement and fire and emergency services.
Tom was a devoted husband, father, brother and grandfather. He is survived by his wife Lena Kostopulos, sons, Tommy (Lisa) and Trevor (Stacy) Tallon, daughter, Anastasia Ehlers (Rob), son, Xander Ehlers, sisters, Cathy Manwaring and Ann Tallon, former wife, Ruth Ann Hamlin, and his grandchildren, Aubrey, Jackson, Megan, Ryan, and Penelope. Sadly, Tom was preceded in death by his beautiful grandson, Jason.
A celebration of Tom’s life will be on Saturday, November 22, 2025 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to park on the north side of the building.
In lieu of flowers, you are invited to honor Tom’s love of his dogs, Jake, Bogie, Rowdy and Gus by making a donation to any favored animal shelter.
In Loving Memory
Hello Tom and Trevor I just wanted to say sorry for your loss. I enjoyed the time I spent working with your father. He was a great man and you have both made hin proud. Take care and stay safe. Love and Peace Tony
Tony Bickmore
Salt Lake, UT
Lena, Tom, and Trevor. I was saddened to hear of Tom's passing. I have nothing but love and warm feelings for Tom and all of you. I will always cherish our friendship and the time we spent working together in Salt Lake. Tom was a mentor to me, and I have so many fond memories of our shared experiences while serving with SLFD. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this challenging time.
Stephen Higgs
Sandy, UT
Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family! So sorry for your loss! We only met him a couple times, but was very friendly and personable! He had a good sense of humor. May his memory be eternal!
Jim and Sophie Orvin and Family
Salt Lake City, UT
I have many happy memories of Papa Tom. He used to play with me and say “fee fi fo fum” and chase me. He wanted a pair of my jelly shoes to keep. He made me a snow fort one year in his yard. He was such a good uncle. I loved him very much. I’m so sorry dear family, he’ll be missed.
Hillary Maddox Smith
West Jordan, UTAH
Ruth, Tom and Trevor, I have many fun times to remember with the family. I am so sorry to learn of Tom's passing. I will keep you in my thoughts, my heart and prayers. Love, Aunt Dee Dee
Diane L Kanady
St George, UT
Tom was my friend! We went out to coffee on Saturday’s and then to the massage school for a student massage, we went camping in Mendocino, dove for abalone, drank wine and solved all the worlds problems. We worked together too. You were always one step ahead of me and now you beat me to the Fireman’s Rest. Rest In Paradise my friend.
Jeff Stansfield
Thousand Oaks, CA
God Bless your Family...from the Keysaw Family
Bob Keysaw
Lake Point, Ut
My prayers go out to Tom‘s loved ones, his wonderful wife, Lena, children and grandchildren. Tom was my mother‘s cousin and my second cousin. We discussed family tree history, which was one of his passions as you know. He shared his amazing video of his trip to Ireland, where he and his sons met with another cousin, Bill Tallon and they even had video of an ancient namesake Tallon castle. Those who knew him and loved him, will remember him as someone who left the world in a better place because of the way he lived his life.
Mary Moffitt
Napa, CA
Lena, Tom, Trevor, Kathy and Anne Thoughts and many memories are with you. Bill
Bill Sullivan
Kippagh, Dunmanway, Co. Cork, Ireland
Sorry to hear of passing of Tom. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family. Working for Tom on the Fire Department was a great experience. He will be missed.
Annette Hayward
West Jordan, Utah