Thomas S. Johnson, 73 of Rockford, senior partner of WilliamsMcCarthy LLP, died unexpectedly at home on Monday, February 15, 2016.

A Rockford native, Tom graduated from Rockford College in 1964 and then received his law degree from Harvard Law School in 1967. He served in the U.S. Army from 1968-1970, where he received the Meritorious Service Medal. Tom then returned to Rockford to join the law firm founded by his mentors, Karl Williams and John C. McCarthy and began a distinguished legal career that lasted 46 years.

Tom concentrated his practice in trust and estate law and received the highest recognition in his specialty by being named as a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel.

Tom was instrumental in the growth and success of WilliamsMcCarthy LLP and was President of the law firm from 1987-2002. Tom possessed a brilliant mind, a sharp wit, and was unwavering in his support of the firm, his colleagues, his community and the legal profession.