THOMAS CURNIN

CURNIN--Thomas F., one of the most prominent and successful litigators of his generation, passed away on November 16, 2025 at the age of 92. Tom was renowned for his defense of Drexel Burnham in connection with the fallout from its junk bond business led by Michael Milken, the defense of E.F. Hutton in the aftermath of its check kiting scandal, the defense of Union Carbide following the explosion of its plant in Bhopal, India, the representation of Burroughs Wellcome with respect to its ownership of AZT, the first anti-HIV drug approved by the FDA, and many other high profile matters. For decades, Tom was one of the leaders of the litigation department of Wall Street law firm Cahill Gordon & Reindel. His clients placed their trust in him to resolve their most pressing problems. His expertise spanned multiple fields including securities litigation, antitrust and products liability. Tom was known for his tactical acumen, work ethic, and his fearlessness. He relished appearing in court. Despite his extraordinary successes, Tom was not given to self promotion. Friends and family might only learn of his victories by reading the paper. Tom reveled in working outside in the Berkshires for hours on end. Returning home at the end of the day in an ancient pickup truck, he would take his wife Miriam to town for a cappuccino. He liked talking with people he met and many of these conversations led to him helping neighbors and friends. He was generous. Tom was born in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn and grew up on 94th Street, the son of Ann, a single mother and school teacher. Tom had an innate sense of right and wrong. He received his education at Loyola High School in Manhattan, Mt. St. Mary's College, Fordham Law School and the U.S Marines. He was active in Democratic politics and his local Catholic Church, despite his disappointments with it. He was a proud father of four sons, Tom, Paul, Kevin and Mark each of whom will continue to see him as a vital role model. Tom adored his 15 grandchildren and was grateful for their presence in his life. But by far the most important person in Tom's life was Miriam. Tom and Miriam met as teenagers and were married for 67 years. Miriam, the first woman Mayor of Larchmont, a position she held from 1984 to 1992, was Tom's best friend and confidante. She helped him with his homework in college and never stopped helping him. They were a familiar sight in Larchmont walking hand in hand. Lastly, Tom loved ice cream, occasionally for breakfast, and never had a day so bad that he didn't look forward to tomorrow. A wake will be held at Fox Funeral Home in Larchmont NY from 4-8pm on November 21, followed by a funeral at St. Augustine's Church in Larchmont at 11am on November 22. The family asks that in lieu of flowers anyone so inclined can make a donation to the Larchmont Friends of the Family or the Cancer Support Team in Purchase NY.