Thomas B. Finan

Thomas B. Finan (June 30, 1914 – May 6, 1972) was an American politician and judge from Maryland. He served as secretary of state of Maryland from 1959 to 1961 and as attorney general of Maryland from 1961 to 1966.

Early life Thomas B. Finan was born on June 30, 1914, in Cumberland, Maryland, to Mary M. (née Dolan) and Thomas B. Finan. His father was a banker and businessman. He graduated from LaSalle Institute, a high school in Cumberland. He played quarterback in the school's football team. He graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts from Georgetown University in 1936. Finan graduated from the University of Maryland School of Law in 1939 and was admitted to the bar the same year.

Career Finan served in the infantry during World War II. He served from June 1941 to September 1945, which included 23 months in the European theater with the 45th Infantry Division. He was a prisoner of war in Poland for nine months. At the time of his discharge, he had attained the rank of captain. He received the Legion of Merit and was a major in the honorary reserve. In 1966, he was appointed to the Maryland Court of Appeals by Governor Tawes. He was sworn in on October 13, 1966, succeeding Stedman Prescott. He was elected to the role in 1968 to a 15–year term. He served until his death. They had two sons, Thomas B. Jr. and W. Timothy. He lived on Washington Street in Cumberland.

Finan died at his office in the Liberty Trust Company Building in Cumberland on May 6, 1972. He was buried in Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery in Cumberland.

Awards Finan received an honorary doctorate degree from Mount St. Mary's University in 1965.