Thomas K. Christo (February 12, 1948 – February 9, 2008) was an American lawyer and Republican political operative from Hampton Falls, New Hampshire.[1][2][3]
Early Life and Education
editChristo was born in 1948 in Southbridge, Massachusetts to Dorothy (Lapery) Christo and Christi Christo. He received a BS in Philosophy and a BA in Government from Suffolk University in 1970. He went on to earn his Juris Doctorate in Law from Boston University Law School in 1972. He pursued a career in law and became a prominent figure in the legal community.
Legal Career
editChristo served as an Assistant District Attorney in Boston and was known as a civil trial lawyer. He is often credited with founding the area of computer law, with his most famous case, IBM Corp. v. Catamore Enterprises, Inc.,[4] establishing the legal distinction between hardware and software. Christo also served as the COO of Mohawk Data Sciences and was a member of the Bar in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, admitted to numerous US District and Circuit Courts, and the US Supreme Court. He was a frequent legal commentator for publications such as U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, and the BBC.
Political Involvement
editChristo was active in Republican politics, running for the United States Senate in the 1990 United States Senate election in New Hampshire.[5] He served as the finance chairman for the New Hampshire Republican Party and was a member of President George H. Bush's Economic Advisory Council. Additionally, he served as the New Hampshire state finance chairman for Rudy Giuliani's 2008 presidential campaign.
Personal Life
editChristo was married to Ellen V. Christo for 11 years. He was a member of St. George's Albanian Orthodox Cathedral in Boston.[3]
Death
editThomas K. Christo died on February 9, 2008, at Massachusetts General Hospital as a result of a brain aneurysm. His funeral service was held at Stratham Community Church in Stratham, New Hampshire.[3]
Legacy
editChristo is remembered as a talented lawyer and dedicated family man. His legal and political careers left a significant impact on the communities he served.
References
edit- ^ "Thomas K. Christo, 59". Telegram & Gazette. February 10, 2008. Archived from the original on June 29, 2024. Retrieved June 29, 2024.
- ^ Benton, Jonathan D. (February 15, 2008). "GOP activist Christo dies". The Portsmouth Herald. Archived from the original on June 29, 2024. Retrieved June 29, 2024.
- ^ a b c "Thomas K. Christo". The Portsmouth Herald. February 10, 2008. Archived from the original on June 29, 2024. Retrieved June 29, 2024.
- ^ IBM Corp. v. Catamore Enterprises, Inc., 548 F.2d 1065 (1st Cir. 1976). IBM Corp. v. Catamore Enterprises, Inc., 431 U.S. 960 (1977), cert. denied.
- ^ "Our Campaigns - Candidate - Tom Christo". Retrieved June 30, 2024.