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Charleston, SC  29409

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Holliday Alumni Center
69 Hagood Ave
Charleston, SC  29403

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843-953-7696

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  • About
    • Alumni Awards
      • Awards Nomination
      • Alumnus of the Year
      • Honorary Life Member
      • Distinguished Life Member
      • Young Alumnus/a of the Year
      • District Director of the Year
      • Club President of the Year
      • The Carroll N. LeTellier Award
      • Citadel Club of the Year
      • Small Club of the Year
      • Arland D. Williams Award
    • Big Red Flag
      • Big Red Print
    • Board of Directors
      • Committees
      • Director Policy and Handbook
      • Meeting Minutes
      • Past Presidents
      • Strategic Plan 2026
    • Elections
      • 2025 Candidates
    • Frequently Asked Question
    • Holliday Alumni Center
      • Alumni Courtyard Bricks
      • Photo Gallery
      • Courvoisie Banquet Hall
      • Grand Foyer
      • LeTellier Alumni Courtyard
      • McKissick Library
      • Renken Dining Room
      • Scarborough Media Room
      • Tilghman Courtyard
      • Rental Information
    • Join CAA
    • Life Member Card and Decal Request
    • Life Membership Payment
    • Merchandise
      • Licensed Vendors
    • Mission and Bylaws
    • Staff
    • Sword Legacy Program
      • Legacy Swords
    • Alumni Travel
  • The Ring
    • Band of Gold Program
      • Band of Gold and Your Will
    • Class Ring Resize and Remake
    • Class Ring Policies
    • Order a Class Ring
    • Order Class Jewelry
    • Ring and Jewelry Prices
  • Network
    • 2025 Alumni Directory Project
    • Alumni Directory
    • CAA Legislative Barbecue
    • Career Network
    • Citadel Alumni Recruiters
      • Alumni Recruiter Interest Form
    • Citadel Alumni Mobile App
    • Join CAA
  • Clubs & Classes
    • The Citadel Muster
    • Cadet Sendoffs
      • 2025 Cadet Sendoff Registration
    • Citadel Clubs
    • Class Information
    • 2025 Gold Corps Reunion Weekend
    • Email and Calendar Request
    • Gold Star Club Requirements
    • Homecoming
  • News & Stories
    • Alumni Awards
      • Alumnus of the Year
      • The Carroll N. LeTellier Award
      • Citadel Club of the Year
      • Club President of the Year
      • Distinguished Life Member
      • District Director of the Year
      • Honorary Life Member
      • Small Club of the Year
      • Young Alumnus/a of the Year
      • Arland D. Williams Award
    • Alumni News & Archives
    • Distinguished Alumni
      • Alumni Achievement
      • DCA Nomination Form
      • Distinguished List
      • DCA Procedure Guide
      • General and Flag Officers
      • Notable Alumni List
    • Taps
    • The Ultimate Sacrifice
    • Announce a Birth
    • Announce a Marriage
    • Provisional Appointment
    • Share a Personal Achievement
    • Submit an Obituary
  • Login

Thomas C. Hellman, ’65

Thomas Chrystie Hellman of South Hero, Vermont died on April 25th. He was 82.

Tom, fondly known as Big Dawg, was born on September 1, 1943 to Jean Florence Chrystie and Theodore A. Hellman. He was joined by a younger brother, Theodore Jr. “Ted” 1946. Raised in Springfield and Short Hills, New Jersey by their cheerful, hardworking and devoted mother, along with the additional help of their paternal grandmother Edna “Grandy” Hellman, and their Aunt Gilly. Tom and Ted shared a close bond and friendship that lasted a lifetime.

In his second year of high school, Tom started caddying at Canoe Brook Golf Club in Short Hills. That experience led to a lifelong love for the game. At the height of his playing, he was a 4 handicap. Tom loved to teach as much as play, and sharing the lessons of the game brought him great joy.

In 1961, Tom attended The Citadel on a basketball scholarship. He loved his time in South Carolina, and it was there that he met his beautiful wife of 29 years, Pickett “Judy” Shannon.

Judy and Tom raised their children, Shannon, Thomas Jr. “Chrys”, and Susan in Bedford, NY. He was a gregarious and fun-loving father who loved creating exciting adventures both big and small. He had an element of surprise and joy about him that was unparalleled.

Tom spent his career on Wall Street as a block-stock trader. At a time that pre-dated computers to collect and retain information, Tom’s mind operated in computer-like fashion to execute trades. He loved the thrill of trading, and the experiences around the world that came with it.

Summers were spent in South Hero, Vermont at the family camp known as “Rockhaven”. Tom took great joy in raising his family and hosting friends at the lake. He was all about connection and creating fun memories. In the mid 80s, Tom created Valley Air Services, an air charter company based in Burlington. Being a pilot gave him a whole new arena of exploration and adventure. In 1988 his exploits included co-piloting a plane across the Atlantic Ocean.

In the late 90s, Tom moved to Marbella, Spain where he met and married Catherine Jacques of Brittany, France. Tom and Catherine led a life of great adventure together. She was his rock during health battles at the end of his life, and his family is forever grateful for her unwavering care and the joy she brought in all circumstances.

Tom was the proud grandfather to Bobby, David, Tommy, Molly, Matthew, and Tanner. His larger than life personality and high jinx made him an incredibly unique and very beloved grandfather.

There will be a celebration of life on September 6th at Rockhaven in South Hero. Big Dawg will be dearly missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched. His motto for living defined his high energy and optimistic spirt “Find your beach, baby!”

Tags: 1965
Mr. Kyle Mims

Mr. Kyle S. Mims

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Across from Johnson Hagood Stadium

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About CAA

The Citadel Alumni Association is a self-supporting organization with the mission to support, advance and promote the ideals and purposes of The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina, the Corps of Cadets, and the Alumni.

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