Obituary of Thomas F. Curnin

Thomas F. Curnin, loving husband and father, adored grandfather, and truly generous man who lived his whole life in gratitude for those who had helped him and paid that forward to friends, neighbors and community, passed away on November 16, 2025, at the age of 92. He was surrounded by his sons, grandchildren, daughters-in-law, and beloved wife, in his own house, in his own bed and, as will surprise no one who knew him, on his own terms. In his final days, consistent as ever, he put family before himself. He left this world as gracefully as he had moved through it.

One of the most prominent and successful litigators of his generation in the United States, Tom was renowned for his defense of Drexel Burnham in connection with the fallout from its junk bond business, the defense of. E.F. Hutton in connection with 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 most prominent leaders of the litigation department of Wall Street law firm Cahill Gordon & Reindel.  His clients placed their full trust in him to resolve their most pressing existential crises.  His expertise spanned multiple fields including securities litigation, antitrust and products liability.  He frequently appeared opposite the SEC and DOJ.  Tom was legendary for his tactical acumen, extraordinary work ethic, relentlessness and fearlessness.  He relished appearing in court.  He was never unprepared.

 
Despite his extraordinary successes, Tom was uncommonly humble.  He never promoted himself. Friends and family might only learn of his victories by reading about them in the newspapers.  At the top of his game, he left his practice to spend more time with his wife and growing family.

Tom and Miriam, his loving wife, moved from Brooklyn to Larchmont in 1961. They quickly became fixtures of the community and would remain so for decades. The Berkshires have been a cherished second home since 1971.

Tom reveled in working outside in the Berkshires for hours on end. Coming home at the end of the day covered in dirt in an ancient pickup truck, he would get cleaned up and take his beloved Miriam to town for a cappuccino.  He liked talking with people he met and many of these conversations led to him quietly helping neighbors and friends, sometimes for years.

 
Tom was born in Bay Ridge Brooklyn in 1933 and grew up on 94th Street, the son of Marion Wallace Curnin, a single mother and schoolteacher raising Tom and his sister, also Marion. Tom had an innate sense of right and wrong that was honed by the Jesuits, first at Loyola School, then Mount St. Mary's College, and finally Fordham Law School. He served in the U.S. Marines and was a Lance Corporal and earned a sharpshooter badge.

Tom was an active Democrat and for many years a leader in his parish of St. Augustine's, despite vocally raising his disagreements with the Church.  He was a strong and proud father of four sons, Tom, Paul, Kevin and Mark, each of whom will always continue to see him as a vital role model.  Tom adored his 15 grandchildren and was grateful for their presence in his life.  He considered himself blessed with four wonderful daughters-in-law: Brenda, Amanda, Annemarie and Kristen.

By far the most important person in Tom's life was his beloved Miriam. They met in college 76 years ago and were married for 66 years.  Miriam, the first woman elected Mayor of Larchmont, was Tom's absolute best friend and confidante.  They were happiest together and were a familiar sight out walking together, most often hand in hand.

Tom loved ice cream, especially Dove Bars and occasionally for breakfast, and never had a day so bad that he didn't look forward to tomorrow.

 Donations in Tom’s memory can be made to the Cancer Support Team or The Larchmont Friends of the Family.