Thomas Aloysius Branson

Thomas Aloysius Branson Died peacefully on Saturday morning, October 31, 2009, with his immediate family surrounding him at home in Carmel Valley, CA. He is survived by his loving wife, Erin Branson, as well his four children and their spouses: Colleen and Chris Miller, Tim and Alexandra Branson, Katie and Robert Lamarre, and Bridget and Mark Albert. "Papa" was also loved by eight grandchildren: Catherine and Rory Miller, McKenna, Kelsey and Thomas Branson, Louisa Lamarre, and William and Samson Albert. He is also survived by his brother, Phillip Branson and his wife, Susan, but was pre-deceased by his brother Louis. Tom was born on September 24, 1939 in San Mateo, California to Hon. Joseph Aloysius "Al" Branson and Bernice Bannan Branson. Tom grew up in Burlingame, where he attended Our Lady of the Angels, and later attended Bellarmine College Preparatory in San Jose. In 1961, Tom graduated from Santa Clara University, where he majored in English, played rugby, and most importantly, forged close friendships that would last a lifetime. Tom graduated from University of California, Hastings College of the Law in 1964. After law school, he moved to New York City, where he received a LL.M. degree in tax law from New York University, and more significantly, met his future wife, Erin Kathleen Kane. In 1965, Tom was drafted into the U.S. Army and stationed in the Panama Canal Zone. Tom and Erin were married in 1966 and soon thereafter returned to Panama, where Tom completed his tour-of-duty at the Judge Advocate General's Corps. Tom and Erin then settled in California, where they raised their four children in Redwood City. Tom joined the law firm of Kane, Thrasher & Galligan, and later started his own firm, Branson, Fitzgerald & Howard. While a practicing attorney, Tom was also an active member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). He retired in 1999 and moved with Erin to Carmel Valley. When not spending time with his family, Tom enjoyed reading, golfing at Monterey Peninsula Country Club, hiking, volunteering as a docent at the Big Sur Lighthouse, and gardening. He was also a member of the Bohemian Club. Tom also thrived on the many friendships he sustained with his classmates from Santa Clara University's Class of 1961. A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at the Mission Santa Clara, with a reception immediately following in the Mission Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom's name may be made to Sacred Heart Nativity School, 310 Edwards Avenue, San Jose, CA 95110, or Saint Anthony's Dining Room.