Thomas Dana Lanahan passed away May 25, 2024, in Charlottesville following a long illness.

He was born in Charlottesville, Virginia on September 1, 1951, to Hugh Carrol Lanahan and Mary Danner Lanahan. He graduated from Albemarle High School in 1969 and attended the University of Virginia following graduation. In high school, he was a standout tight end and defensive end on an undefeated football team. While at Albemarle High School, he met and married the love of his life, Katherine Respess Lanahan. They remained married until his death.

Tommy loved his family and was blessed with three children, eight grandchildren, and one great grandchild. He loved being “GranTommy” and lived up to this honorary title. He doted on his children, grandchildren, and great grandchild and he always had M&M’s in his shirt pocket whenever they visited him. He was often seen cheering them on from the sidelines of their games, and was ready to offer a helping hand fixing or building things.

Tommy was the life of every party. He reveled in his friends and adored hosting parties. He and his wife were known for throwing well-attended New Year’s Eve parties. He collected communities of friends wherever he went: he made life-long friends from growing up in Stuarts Draft, in high school, and playing bridge, softball, and golf.

Tommy excelled in his endeavors. His career began logging trees in Free Union and working for Albemarle County. Thereafter, he founded Lanahan Construction. Most recently he founded and grew Advanced Concrete Foundations, where his wife and son still work. He was very active in the local area home builders’ associations, including being President of the Blue Ridge Home Builder’s Association.

Tommy was an animal lover. He was happiest with a cat curled up on his lap and a dog by his side with treats always at the ready. He also loved working outside and burning a brush pile.

In addition to his wife, Kay Lanahan, he is survived by his children and their spouses: Ashley and Kenny Ballard, Joshua and Julie Lanahan, and Matt and Katrina Lanahan; his grandchildren and great grandchild, Katherine and Joe Page, Kendall Ballard, Alex Ballard, Sophie Lanahan, Sean Lanahan, Katie Lanahan, Erin Lanahan, Colin Lanahan and Londyn Page. He is also survived by his brother Bruce Lanahan, sister-in-law Becky Lanahan, sister Leslie Jones and her children, Baron, Kendra, Marissa. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Colleen Lanahan Kerr.

In his memory, donations may be made to the SPCA, or a charity of your choice.

Condolences may be shared with the family on the tribute wall.

For more on services and to share your condolences, visit Hill and Wood Funeral Service.