Thomas Daniel McCann passed away at home in Naples, Fla., on March 3, 2026. He was 85—a man of quick wit, boundless curiosity, and a rare ability to make everyone around him feel important.
Born in Buffalo, N.Y., Tom carried a sense of purpose and principle through every chapter of his life. He earned his undergraduate degree from Marquette University and a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center, where he met the love of his life, Carol Cunningham, a student in the School of Nursing. Their partnership began during those formative years in Washington, D.C., and grew into a marriage—spanning more than 60 years—defined by devotion, laughter, shared adventure, and an enduring commitment to family. They were married on June 6, 1964.
Tom built a distinguished professional career, serving as vice president of public affairs at Bristol-Myers Squibb and previously as labor counsel and director of public affairs at General Foods Corporation. He was known for his intellect, strategic judgment, and principled leadership—qualities that earned him the deep trust and admiration of colleagues and industry leaders alike. He was also a valued mentor, and took particular pride in encouraging and supporting women in business and leadership roles at a time when such advocacy was far less common. Among the achievements he held most dear was his leadership role in helping draft the International Declaration of Health Rights commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health—a project that reflected his lifelong belief that businesses carry a responsibility to advance the well-being of society…