Thomas Bennett McNeill

1934 - 2022

A distinguished litigator, son of a famed radio host and a burst of positivity, Thomas ("Tom") Bennett McNeill, 88, died peacefully the company of family in Chicago on December 6th, moving on from a life he embraced and graced to the full. Deeply loving and loved by his wife Ingrid, his children and grandchildren and an inspiration to just about anyone who met him, Tom will be intensely missed and his memory cherished. Three experiences helped shape Tom's life. The first was growing up as the eldest of three sons of Don McNeill, who hosted America's most-loved morning show, the Breakfast Club. Don's career enabled Tom to grow up in beautiful Winnetka, attend New Trier High School and later earn a Bachelor's degree and a JD in Law at the University of Notre Dame. After practicing law for three years in the Air Force, Tom joined Chicago law firm Mayer Brown LLP, where he later became partner and made a name for himself as litigator for major corporations, with trials in some cases leading to Supreme Court appeals and establishing legal precedent. Tom pointed to the support and trust his father gave him as the driving force behind his professional success. The Breakfast Club also gave Tom remarkable ease in the spotlight and a gift for connecting with others and making them feel comfortable. The show and his father also instilled in him a great sense of humor and a decency so that had many regard him as the quintessential gentleman.

The second experience was meeting his wife Ingrid while studying in Vienna for three months after Law School – a start to almost 60 years of marriage and an equally long love for Austria surpassed only by Tom's love of Ingrid.

The third experience was Tom's trip around the world with his brother Don in 1958. The journey opened their eyes to the thrill of travel, the reward of connecting with other cultures and the destitute condition of so many lives, particularly in Calcutta, and experience that awoke a calling in Don to the priesthood and fostered a sense of service in Tom. Connecting with and helping others – particularly young people looking to find their way in education or professionally – was a hallmark of Tom's life. Countless friends and acquaintances point to Tom for inspiration, mentoring or connections in finding their own way in life.

Add to the above love of family and an unshakable positive attitude, and you have a sense of Tom McNeill. He will be deeply missed by his wife Ingrid, children Christine Flaherty, Thomas McNeill and Stephanie Fargo, their spouses and his nine grandchildren.

A service will be held at Saints Faith Hope and Charity in Winnetka at 11 am on December 16.

In lieu of flowers, please make any memorial contribution to the Solti Foundation US, www.soltifoundation.com. The foundation supports talented young American conductors early in their careers.

Info:donnellanfuneral.com or (847)675-1990.