Thomas Nagle

1938 - 2018

Thomas C. Nagle

October 22, 1938 - July 26, 2018

Thomas Carpenter Nagle of Alamo, CA died peacefully around his loving family on July 26, 2018. Husband, father, grandfather, friend, and mentor, he lived a full life marked by generosity and warmth. Tom was the consummate "people person" and made everyone feel like a close friend.

Tom was born in Cranford, New Jersey on October 22, 1938. He is predeceased by his father, William, his devoted mother, Frances Carpenter; and his sister Margo. After high school, Tom enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1956 and was honorably discharged as a sergeant in 1958.

Tom left for California and enrolled at Cal where he joined Phi Gamma Delta. He fell in easily with fraternity life, making life-long friends. It was at a Cal fraternity-sorority mixer that Tom met and fell in love with his Daffodil Queen, the beautiful Phyllis O'Connell, a Delta Gamma. After graduating, Tom and Phyllis eloped to Las Vegas and married on February 7, 1962.

Later that year, Tom enrolled at Hastings and graduated in June 1965. Tom then began a twenty-five year career at CalTrans as an eminent domain trial lawyer charged with acquiring property to build the California Freeways. Tom's warm and trustworthy courtroom personality lead to success. Handsome, well-dressed, and confident, he had a winning way with jurors.

In 1990, Tom joined Cox, Garrett & Nagle. In 1995, he established his own firm, and in the early 2000s he served as an expert with Erickson, Beasely, and Hewitt. Tom's reputation for fairness and his experience led to his frequent selection as a mediator by both public entities and landowners.

Tom's skills in the courtroom were lauded throughout the state. Tom was frequently recognized as a "Super Lawyer" and was a member of the prestigious American Board of Trial Advocates. Tom sought to give back to the legal community and was active in educating and mentoring lawyers. He was a founding member and former President of the Robert G. McGrath American Inn of Court.

In 1976, Tom became a Friend of Bill W., entering into life-long sobriety. Without fanfare or publicity, Tom helped hundreds of people maintain sobriety through AA and The Other Bar.

Tom was an incredible husband, father, and grandfather, and leaves loving memories that will comfort his family in the years to come. Favorite activities included family ski trips to the Sierras, yearly trips to Hawaii, and adventures to Europe. A particularly memorable trip was to Cape Cod with the entire family to celebrate Tom and Phyllis' 50th wedding anniversary in 2012. Tom was a loving and devoted grandfather who reveled in being with his grandchildren and keeping up with their activities.

A highlight of Tom's day was spending time with his many dogs over the years: Beau, Sammy, Comanche, Riley, and Tom's favorite, Daisy, who slept her early days away under Tom's desk in his office.

Tom had a remarkably warm and caring spirit that touched the lives of many. He will be truly missed by many people who were fortunate enough to know him. Tom leaves behind his loving family: his dear wife Phyllis; son Bill (Sharon) of Lafayette, CA and grandchildren Katie, Ryan, and Will; son Mark (Christi) of Seattle, WA and grandchildren Whitney, Molly, and Charlie.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Tom's honor to the Prostate Cancer Foundation.