Thomas Addison “Tim” Lanahan was born in Washington, D.C., on 26 April, 1946. He was the son of Frances Scott “Scottie” Fitzgerald, the only child of the famous novelist, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Samuel J. Lanahan, a prominent lawyer. Being raised in a family of literary and cultural heritage opened Tim up to the arts and literature from a young age.
Tim Lanahan’s Education
Excellence and diversity were hallmarks of Tim’s educational journey. Before entering St. Paul’s in 1964, he attended Green Acres School and St Alban’s School. He studied Irish culture and language at Trinity College Dublin out of curiosity for his academic career. Tim went on to Princeton University then joined the Army in spring 1967. After military service, he attended college at the University of California, Davis, where he graduated in 1972, with a political science major.
Career and Achievements
Tim Lanahan had a career as diverse as his education. In the Vietnam War, he learned Vietnamese. Other languages he could speak were Gaelic, French and German – Tim was a language geek. He later attended Naval Hospital Corps School in San Diego. His work there earned him an award shortly before his death in 1973.
Tim Lanahan’s Death
Tim Lanahan died October 18, 1973, at Honolulu, Hawaii. Tim committed suicide at the age of 27. Family and friends said he was a vivid, outspoken character when he died.
Those closest to Tim knew about his poor mental health and his personal struggles. Months before his death, Tim graduated with honors from the Naval Hospital Corps School in San Diego and was awarded for his achievements. Despite these successes he suffered from poor mental health.
Notable Family Members of Tim Lanahan
Frances Scott “Scottie” Fitzgerald
Tim’s mother was Frances Scott “Scottie” Fitzgerald, a daughter of F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald. Born October 26, 1921, Scottie was a writer and journalist for The Washington Post and The New Yorker. A member of the Democratic Party, she also ran political campaigns. Scottie tried to keep her parents’ legacy alive by giving an accurate portrait of their lives and work.
Samuel J. Lanahan
Tim’s father was a lawyer and notable figure in his own right, Samuel J. Lanahan. He married Scottie Fitzgerald in 1943, had four children, including Tim. Samuel’s legal career and his union with the Fitzgeralds made Tim famous.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Tim Lanahan’s maternal grandfather, the favorite American novelist of the 20th century, is F. Scott Fitzgerald. Born September 24, 1896, Fitzgerald is best known for his novel “The Great Gatsby,” an American classic. His work often dealt with wealth, society and the American Dream of the Jazz Age. Fitzgerald also wrote “Tender Is the Night” and “This Side of Paradise.” His literary legacy informs writers and readers worldwide.
Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald
Tim’s maternal grandmother was American socialite, novelist and painter, Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald. Born July 24, 1900, Zelda was a very outgoing person and artist. She married F. Scott Fitzgerald in 1920, making the couple Roaring Twenties icons. Zelda’s own semi-autobiographical work was called “Save Me the Waltz.” Literature and art as well as her fractious love affair with F. Scott have the subject of many biographies and studies.
