Name: Visitation for Thomas Matthew Gallen
Start: 2025-02-13T17:00:00.000Z
End: 2025-02-13T20:00:00.000Z
Location: Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory - 43rd St. Chapel

Thomas Matthew Gallen

December 28, 1932 - February 5, 2025

Bradenton, Florida - Thomas Matthew Gallen, died peacefully February 5, 2025, at his home in Bradenton, Florida. He was 92 years old. Thomas was born in Tampa, Florida, on December 28, 1932. He attended Jesuit High School and the University of Tampa. He enlisted in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper during the Korean War and became a member of the inaugural group of Special Forces Green Berets and received his bachelor's degree from Florida State University and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Florida. He moved to Bradenton in 1960 where he met Ms. Linda Pruitt, then 1960 Miss Bradenton. They had four children, Tommy Gallen, Mary Gallen and husband, Blake Tuomy, Kathleen Gallen and her husband, Paul Ramshaw, Michael Gallen and his wife, Alexandra Gallen, and five grandchildren, Linda Gallen, Juliette Gallen, Gallen Tuomy, Will Tuomy, and Thomas Gallen. Thomas was a law partner in Bradenton at the law firm of Miller, Gallen, Kaklis and Venable from 1960 to 1985. During this period, he also served as a member of the Florida Legislature for 12 years, first in the Florida House of Representatives, then the Florida Senate. In 1985, he was elected to the 12th Judicial Circuit as a circuit judge, where he was elected Chief Judge by his colleagues in 1998 and served in that position until his mandatory retirement in 2002. He had a deep love for sports, was a life-long Buccaneers fan, an avid reader, had a passion for handball, and lap-swimming. His main focus in life was his family - his wife, children and grandchildren, who lovingly called "papa." A Visitation will be held Thursday, February 13, 2025, from 5-8 PM, with a celebration of life at 6:15 PM, at Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, February 14, 2025, at 9:30 AM, in SS Peter & Paul the Apostles Catholic Church, 2850 75th Street West, Bradenton, FL. In Lieu of Flowers, donations may be made to the Bradenton YMCA, 3805 59th Street West, Bradenton 34209, or the charity of your choice. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street, Bradenton, FL, is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be made at www.brownandsonsfuneral.com

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Published by Bradenton Herald from Feb. 11 to Feb. 12, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Gallen

Sponsored by Bradenton Herald.

11 Entries

Boyd Yesler, DMD

August 8, 2025

I am so sorry of just hearing about Tom's passing. We had some memorable times at handball in Bradenton, from the early 1980's. We all enjoyed his humor and stories. Tom tipped me off about the cost of kid's horseback riding before beginning; should have taken his advice, as he was quite correct! Tom's wife Linda I knew as a patient and is a great lady.
Best to the family. Boyd Yesler, DMD

LeRoy "Jake" Jacoby

February 13, 2025

Tom and I go back 70+ years, we were Jesuit Hi Grads, we connected when I
went to FSU, he lived n the dorm one level above me. When we moved to Bradenton, he was doing Criminal defense work. We were blessed to have him seek a position in the Fl Senate. He later served a a Circuit Judge for many years.

Terry Longpre

February 12, 2025

Judge Tom was one of the best Judge's I had ever met. I ran into numerous times over the 28 years I spent in law enforcement with Palmetto PD and Manatee Sheriff's Office. My Dad (Louie) was one of his bailiffs over the years. We have lost a Special Person. May God watch over him and his family.

Julianna Ross

Planted Trees

February 11, 2025

My deepest condolences to the Gallen family. I testified in his courtroom on many cases. He was an extremely fair and just man. Thank you for your military and civil service. He will be missed. Godspeed.

LeRoy "Jake" Jacoby

February 11, 2025

I have known Tom since we both attended Jesuit HS in Tampa. We both attended and graduated from FSU. When we relocated to Manatee County we ran into each other in the Courthouse and renewed our friendship. He later served Manatee County in the Fl, Senate I always felt he wanted to make Manatee County and Florida a safer an better place to live. He later became a Circuit Judge and his mission was to make Manatee County a safer place in which to live. Because of him, we have County Manager form of Government. Manatee County has lost a great advocate.

Cecil Thursby

February 11, 2025

Linda, my sympathy to you and your family for this loss of Tom.

DiDi Boyd Hager

February 9, 2025

It has been several years since I saw Tom and Linda. However, I have fond memories of the Gallen family. I had the honor of not only being a friend but an employee. I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you all in my prayers. I care deeply for the entire Gallen family.

Whitney Best LeCain

February 8, 2025

It has been many years since I have seen any of the Gallen crew, but I wanted to reach out and send my condolences to Micheal, Kathleen, and family.

Dan O´Connell

February 8, 2025

I hope someone considers a way to name the Judicial Center after him. Sorry, like a P.S.
Love and celebration for Tom´s family.

Dan O´Connell

February 8, 2025

Tom Gallen was one of the finest human beings I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. To me, he was an American hero. Small in stature, huge in influence and intellect and competence far beyond describing. A gentleman, a dedicated public servant, a kind and loving family man and friend. I cherished our friendship. Thank you, Tom.
My heart is broken but proud to know him and love him and now miss him.
Rest in eternal peace, my dear friend.
Semper Fi

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