Thomas McKee

Thomas F. McKee, Leading Corporate Lawyer and Philanthropist, Passes Away at 77


Thomas F. “Tom” McKee, of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, passed away on February 19, 2026 at the age of 77.

Tom was a servant leader who – despite being exceptional at everything he did in life – refused to accept attention, credit or public honor for his service, mostly on behalf of others. While he had great conviction that his many contributions to society and to the people in his life were best kept private, it is important to share some as he is remembered by family members, friends and colleagues.

The Attorney: A Prodigious Dealmaker and Trusted Adviser

Tom was best known as one of the most prominent corporate and mergers and acquisitions attorneys of his generation. During his 47-year career, he guided Fortune 1000 companies, leading private equity firms and other clients through more than 1,000 transactions, hundreds of initial public offerings and other capital raising initiatives, and a wide range of other important corporate matters.

He was born on October 27, 1948 in Cleveland, Ohio. He earned his bachelor’s degree with high distinction from the University of Michigan in 1970 and was a lifelong Wolverines fan. He received his law degree with high honors from Case Western Reserve University School of Law in 1975, where he was inducted into the Order of the Coif, the most prestigious honor in American legal education.

After graduation, Tom joined Calfee, Halter & Griswold and never left. He was elected partner in 1982 and to the firm’s Executive Committee in 1992. He became vice chairman in 1999, co-chairman in 2005, sole chairman in 2008, and senior chairman in 2019.

Tom’s roster of clients was a cross-section of American industry. He represented RPM International, McDonald & Company Investments, KeyBank, Swagelok, Invacare, Signature Brands USA, NCS Healthcare, DataTrak International, Camelot Music Holdings, Linsalata Capital Partners, and Western Reserve Partners among many other prestigious companies. He served on the Boards of dozens of private and public companies, including Mr. Coffee, Inc. and Chart Industries. In 2019, Chambers, an organization that ranks top lawyers, described Tom as “a dean of the transactional practice.”

Despite his prodigious business development accomplishments and commercial contributions to his firm, what most distinguished Tom as a lawyer was that he was one of Corporate America’s most trusted advisers. He was a problem solver who listened before he spoke and counseled with a steady hand. In the hyper-competitive legal industry, Tom possessed a rare and preternatural calm and kindness, and exceptional wisdom, that brought significant confidence and comfort to clients in their most high-profile and stressful situations. Make no mistake about it: he was plenty competitive, but that wasn’t how he presented himself – and you might not have noticed until after he achieved his client’s objective.

Clients and colleagues have noted that Tom’s effectiveness stemmed not from bluster or showmanship, but from a quiet, methodical approach paired with humility that disarmed even the most contentious boardroom dynamics. He had a remarkable ability to cut through noise, identify the issue at hand, and find the best path to resolution.

Tom’s leadership as Chairman of Calfee, Halter & Griswold was marked by tremendous growth and success. He believed that a law firm, at its best, was a family and, therefore, he established a culture in which all employees – regardless of role or level – are treated with kindness, and a deep sense of fairness and loyalty. A longtime colleague said, “He viewed loyalty not as an obligation but as the very foundation of trust. That’s what made clients come back to him for decades.”

Upon his retirement, Calfee appointed Tom Chairman Emeritus and renamed its conference center the Thomas McKee Conference Center. Tom was a model for attorneys at Calfee and beyond, and this fitting tribute will remind future generations of Tom’s unparalleled contributions to the firm and the practice of law.

A Life of Service

Those who knew Tom best recognized his deep-seated belief that his professional accomplishments were a means to dutifully serve the community. Tom felt an unwavering obligation to give back driven by great humility, faith and belief that he was blessed in life.

His charitable commitments were wide-ranging, with his many leadership roles including service as a trustee and Executive Committee member of Case Western Reserve University, where he also chaired the Compensation Committee. He was a trustee of the Musical Arts Association, the governing body of the Cleveland Orchestra and the Blossom Music Festival. He served as a long-standing trustee of the Achievement Centers for Children and was named Trustee Emeritus upon completion of his service. He was a trustee of the Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital National Leadership Council within the University Hospitals Health System, and a member of the Visiting Committee of Case Western Reserve University School of Law.

Despite this extensive service Tom eschewed public recognition. Many of his considerable donations were anonymous, believing that the act of giving mattered far more than acknowledgment.

In 2006, Tom agreed to accept the prestigious Pillar Award of Community Service, believing that doing so could inspire other community servants and philanthropists. Upon receiving the award, he commented, “I have been given a lot in my career and I feel that giving back to humanitarian and social services is a responsibility – by giving back I’ve received far more than I have ever given.”

An Unwavering Family Man

Above all, Tom dearly loved and was deeply devoted to his family, which was always his top priority, regardless of business demands. His unwavering support, sense of humor, wisdom and uniquely kind spirit will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his only child, Rhodes (mother Linda), his wife, Karen, and his brothers, Dan and Dave (Maribeth), nephew Connor (Alex), niece Kelly, and stepson John. He was proceeded in death by his parents Virginia and Harry McKee. He enjoyed special relationships with extended family, as well as friends and clients who became the family he chose.

Tom’s family and friends loved being around him because he had a singular way of making them feel happy, loved, special and simply good about themselves and want to be a better person. He set an example for being a servant leader, par excellence, who managed each part of his life intentionally and left the world a better place for those privileged to encounter him.

His impact will be felt for generations to come.


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A private memorial service will be held for the immediate family.

A celebration of Tom’s life for family and friends will be planned during the summer.

Expressions of condolence or inquiries for the family can be sent to Rhodes McKee: [email protected]

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Tom’s memory be made to the Achievement Centers for Children, Case Western Reserve University, or the Lewy Body Dementia Association.