Name Thomas Leavey | ||
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Occupation Business executive, philanthropist Children Kathleen McCarthy Kostlan Organizations founded |
Thomas E. Leavey (1897-1980) was an American business executive, rancher, and philanthropist.
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Early life
Born near Ferndale, Humboldt County, California to Irish immigrants, he attended Santa Clara University and served briefly in the U. S. Army during the final months of World War I. In 1923, he received a bachelor's degree from the Georgetown University School of Law and relocated to Los Angeles two years later.
Career
In 1928, he co-founded the company that became the Farmers Insurance Group with John C. Tyler.
Philanthropy
With his wife, Dorothy Leavey, he established the Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Foundation in 1952. The Leavey Foundation has donated more than $100 million to support educational, religious, and other institutions.
Death
He died on March 29, 1980 at the age of 82. Dorothy Leavey died in January 1998 at the age of 101.