It is with heavy hearts and endless love that we share the passing of George “Tom” Cartwright, who departed on September 5, 2025.

Born on June 9, 1951, in Norfolk, Virginia, Tom grew up in a close-knit community that embraced and uplifted him after he lost his parents at a young age. He graduated from James Barry Robinson Catholic School for Boys in 1971 and went on to attend Old Dominion University for a time before choosing to follow his true passion: music. That passion took root early in life and blossomed when he began working at The Groove, a beloved record store in Norfolk that introduced him to the business side of music. In 1980, his adventurous spirit led him to Los Angeles, where he joined the quality control division at the distribution center for EMI Records. It was there he met the love of his life, Tina.

Tom’s career thrived as he rose through the ranks, eventually becoming the Vice President of Marketing at Capitol Records, as well as running the EMI Records imprint titled ‘The Right Stuff.’ Known for his creativity and deep respect for artistry, he developed a unique expertise in reintroducing legendary artists to new audiences, working on projects for icons such as Ringo Starr, Al Green, Jimi Hendrix, and The Beach Boys, among many others. Tom retired after decades of devotion to the industry he loved, leaving an enduring mark on the world of music. Beyond his professional life, Tom was a man of many passions and a heart full of conviction. He loved nothing more than the open road on his Harley and the camaraderie of the Harley Davidson of Glendale Motorcycle Club, with which he shared many adventures. His deep love for animals showed the gentleness beneath his adventurous spirit, and his fierce belief in justice made him a lifelong defender of human rights. True to who he was- spirited, bold, and unafraid to stand up for what he believed- he proudly protested the Vietnam War and even found his way to Woodstock in 1969.

In 1992, after 11 years together, Tom married Tina, and later that same year they adopted their son, Sam. Becoming a father was the joy of his life; he often said it was his greatest accomplishment and proudly shared stories of Sam with anyone who would listen.

Tom and Tina built a life full of love, laughter, and adventure. In 1997, they settled into their dream home in Pasadena, where they created nearly two decades of cherished memories. Later, they moved to Las Vegas before eventually relocating to the Bay Area in 2022 to be closer to Sam and his wife, Hillary. Together, the four of them shared countless special moments; holidays by the fire, family adventures, and more laughter than words can capture.

After the heartbreaking loss of Tina earlier this year, Tom faced his final battle with metastatic prostate cancer with remarkable courage. In his last months, he spent treasured weekends with his children and even took a final joy-filled trip to Maui just two weeks before his passing. Surrounded often by butterflies and hummingbirds, he felt Tina close by, guiding him from heaven.

Tom’s passing is a profound loss, but his love and spirit will live on through his family, his friends, and the music that shaped his life. He often remarked that “when words fail, music speaks,” and indeed, his life was a beautiful melody; one that will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who knew him. His passion for music was rivaled only by his devotion to family and friends, and his resilience, generosity, and ability to inspire others remain unmatched. His life was a testament to a lesson that he often imparted onto others: Never give up, because anything is possible.

Tom was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 33 years, Christina “Tina” Cartwright, and his parents, Minnie Riddick and John Cartwright. He is survived by his son, Samuel Cartwright, his daughter-in-law, Hillary Elliott-Cartwright, his sister, Margaret Parham, and a wide circle of in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends who cherish him deeply and hold his memory dear.

“’Cause tramps like us, baby, we were born to run.”

Rest peacefully, Tom.

Please join us in celebrating Tom’s life on October 25th at 12:00 PM at one of his favorite places, the Tam O’Shanter in Atwater Village. We’ll gather for a service and then share a meal together in his honor. Kindly RSVP on the Events page to let us know you’ll be joining us.

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