Thomas E. Leavey

Thomas E. Leavey (1897–1980) was an American business executive, rancher, and philanthropist.

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, California 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 prefers to donate privately; however, it has publicly donated more than $200 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.