Tommy Breslin

BRESLIN, Tommy (1932-2007) Shortly before Christmas our dear father, friend, grandfather, colleague, Tommy Breslin finally succumbed to the lung cancer he had fought bravely and successfully for over 20 years. Tommy was born on March 13th, 1932, the youngest of six children and named for his grandfather, Thomas Peter Breslin. A proud descendent of early Californians from Ireland and Scotland who had arrived before the gold rush, Tommy grew up in Los Angeles where he attended St. Gregory Elementary School, Loyola High School, Loyola University and later received his law degree from the University of So. California. He performed his military service as a 2nd Lt. in the United States Air Force (1954-55). His first marriage to Marillyn Campbell (deceased) ended in divorce. Upon graduation from Law School, Tommy practiced Criminal Law as a Los Angeles Deputy District Attorney and in private practice. He completed his legal career with the Los Angeles County Public Defender's office where he met and married his second wife (and his boss), veteran Public Defender, Audrey Ezratty Breslin, who predeceased him by one year on December 22, 2006. In 1985, a book and successful TV Mini Series, A Death in California, were developed from one of Tommy's 1973 cases where he successfully defended his client, Hope Masters, who was tried and acquitted of murdering her husband. In addition to his successful career as an attorney, Tommy was a master woodworker, jeweler, carpenter and clockmaker who loved creating beautiful objects and sharing them with his friends and family. After retirement, he traveled extensively with his beloved Audrey. Tommy leaves behind three children; Tom Breslin, Kerry Breslin-Kayajanian (Jeff), Colleen Breslin-Lord (Jim ), two grandchildren, Max and Kaytie Kayajanian, Audrey's son, Allen Ezratty (Amy), his daughters, Hanna and Sarah and innumerable friends and colleagues. A memorial event is planned for the spring.