Thomas Francis Granahan

The cherished Patriarch of his family was born on April 29, 1926 in New York City to Thomas Francis Granahan and Eileen Barry. He is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Jennie Marino Granahan, his two daughters Jennie Granahan Tarr (Robert Brazel), Eileen Coates (Joe), three grandsons, Joseph, Thomas, Declan and two bonus grandchildren Jarod Brazel (Chandler) and Morgan Brazel. Tom grew up in Elmhurst, New York. He was a member of America’s greatest generation and served his country in the United States Army during WWII. He graduated from Florida State University in 1950 and Stetson University College of Law in 1962.

Tom practiced law in Hillsborough County for over 60 years. He had a long and distinguished career.

Early in his career, he formed professional associations with other attorneys, was appointed as an Assistant State Attorney for the 13th Judicial Circuit by then State Attorney Paul Antinori Jr. and served as a municipal judge.

Later in his career, he became one of the first lawyers in the state of Florida certified as both a Civil and Criminal Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. He was appointed by then Governor Claude Kirk to serve as a special prosecutor to investigate and prosecute local corruption in Pinellas County. He helped develop then groundbreaking techniques to project and prove damages in personal injury trials such as using economists and physicists and was appointed to Florida’s 13th Circuit Judicial Nominating Committee by then Governor Bob Martinez. Tom also served on the Grievance Committee for the 13th Judicial Circuit in Hillsborough County.

Tom founded Thomas F. Granahan P.A. in 1973. He developed a specialty insurance policy for parachutes, light aircraft and helicopter landing and drop zones. Lloyds of London liked this idea so much they wrote the policy and named Tom to be general counsel to handle all of these claims. Tom had the opportunity to appear on court TV as a commentator for a criminal case being tried in Hillsborough County. He was also a Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator. His professional memberships included The Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers, The Association of Trial Lawyers of America, The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, The International Academy of Criminal Defense Lawyers, The Multi Million Dollar Advocates Forum and The Melvin Belli Society. The culmination of his professional achievements throughout his remarkable career was recognized in 2018 when he was honored with the Herbert G. Goldberg Lifetime Achievement Award. This award is the highest award given by the Hillsborough County Bar Association Trial and Litigation Section to a trial lawyer who, during the course of a distinguished career, has exhibited fairness, integrity, courtesy, zeal, forensic skill, legal acumen, good sense, and respect for fellow lawyers.

Tom was a member of The Florida Bar, the Hillsborough County Bar, a fellow of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers, The University Club and The Army Navy Club.

Tom was a lawyer's lawyer and a man's man. He married his college sweetheart, Jennie, in 1952 and was a loving, supportive husband, father, and grandfather. Together they taught their two daughters and three grandchildren honor, integrity, loyalty, humility and the value of education and hard work. Tom enjoyed reading, traveling and meeting new people. His extensive knowledge of history, religion, philosophy, art, music, literature and the law were unparalleled.

Tom was a lifelong student who enjoyed imparting the wisdom and knowledge he had gained through his life experiences and studies with his family and friends. He was truly a renaissance man. Tom touched

many lives, and those of us who were blessed to have known him understand that the unique and positive impact he had on our lives is immeasurable. He will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Thomas' memory may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children.