With heavy hearts, the family of Thomas Joseph Touhey — known to all as "T. Joseph" — announces his peaceful passing in Annapolis on July 25, 2026, at the age of 89. He lived a long and vibrant life, having only recently retired from his legal practice which he so loved.

Joe was born on March 6, 1937, in Baltimore, Maryland, to Dr. Thomas Joseph Touhey Sr. and Louise Touhey. He was raised in Baltimore, where he spent his formative years. The high point of his upbringing was his time at Loyola High School (Class of 1955) and Loyola College, where he formed the lifelong friendships he cherished, along with his education, as the foundation for a life well-lived. He fervently believed and lived by the foundational maxim in Jesuit education ”A man for others” which calls for a life centered on social justice, compassion, and active service to the marginalized.

After college, Joe considered a career in the military but ultimately bypassed an officer’s commission to pursue legal studies — a decision that led to an accomplished 60-year career as an attorney. Admitted to the Maryland Bar in 1965, he tried civil and criminal jury cases in all twenty-three Maryland counties, in Baltimore City, and in the District of Columbia. He served as Assistant State’s Attorney for Anne Arundel County and as Assistant Attorney General for the State of Maryland. He was instrumental in forming and leading Maryland’s public defender program, helping ensure that every citizen, regardless of means, had access to quality legal representation. Aside from his legal practice for the state of Maryland, Joe had a successful private practice handling hundreds of high-profile cases. He often described his clientele as "the famous and the infamous," and he delighted in representing each and every client.

Beyond the courtroom, Joe was best described by friends and family as a larger-than-life personality. A true Irish man who embraced the belief "anything worth doing is worth overdoing." That spirit carried into every corner of his life. An avid outdoorsman, he loved hunting waterfowl alongside his sons and made more than 20 fishing trips to Alaska and British Columbia. He was a passionate art collector who never passed up the chance to buy a duck decoy — much to the delight of the vendors at the Waterfowl Festival, which he attended faithfully every year.

A true epicurean, Joe delighted in good friends, fine food, and excellent wine. Nothing satisfied Joe more than spending time entertaining his family and friends. Known for his humor, wit and the gift of gab, he was a sought-after toastmaster, master of ceremonies, and eulogist. That same quick humor carried over into the courtroom, where it served to disarm unwitting opponents and endear him to Judge and Jury. No doubt much of Joe’s success in life was his genuine love of people and his passion for understanding their stories. He will be greatly missed and forever remembered.

Joe was predeceased by his sister, Mary Louise Kennedy; his nephew, Bruce Kennedy; his son, Stephen Touhey; and his son-in-law John Skogus.

He is survived by Mary Lee Touhey, his former wife, lifelong friend and mother to his three children, Laura Touhey and Michael Touhey (and wife Jacquelyn); his grandchildren, Mary Pat, Connor, Clare, and Colin Touhey; and three great-grandchildren, Robbie, Rylan, and Marshall.

A celebration of Joe’s life will be held early fall. Details to follow.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Loyola Fund at Loyola Blakefield https://www.loyolablakefield.org/giving/loyola-fund