Tom Gachet passed away on Thursday, 6/23/22, after a long battle with pancreatic cancer and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. He moved with his family to Melbourne in 1979 to work for the Harris Corporation as its General Tax Counsel. He traveled the world for his job representing Harris and retired in 1998. Following his stint at Harris, he worked as a solo practitioner in civil litigation in Florida where he often represented the underserved population as a Florida attorney. Practicing law and helping people were his passion and due to his wide-ranging knowledge and experience, he relished the challenge of providing unique problem-solving skills. He enjoyed spending time with his family and walking his dog, Nicky. He was an avid wine collector and connoisseur and looked forward to meeting with his local wine group at Brevard restaurants.
Tom earned his B.A. with High Honors from Eckerd College in 1966. As a Woodrow Wilson Fellow, he earned his M.A. in Philosophy from Vanderbilt University in 1967. He graduated cum laude with his J.D. from Harvard Law School in 1970 and immediately took an assignment with Gulf Oil based in London, England. Back in the United States, he earned an LL.M. in Taxation from Georgetown University in 1976. In addition to being a member of the Virginia Bar and the DC Bar, he became a member of the Florida Bar in 1981. He was also a member of Mensa.
He is pre-deceased by his daughter, Catherine. Tom is survived by his wife, Pat, and his daughter, Carolyn.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Brevard Humane Society in honor of Tom’s love for his pets.
Tom will be missed by many family members and people in the community who were touched by his acts of kindness and generosity of spirit.