John Tambornino dies at Minnesota Star Tribune

John Leavitt Tambornino, J.D. was born on February 9, 1937, in Navarre, MN, and passed away on January 15, 2025, in Edina, MN. His educational journey included graduating from Mound High School in 1955, obtaining a degree in political science from the University of Minnesota in 1959, and earning a JD degree from Stanford University School of Law in 1962. After completing his studies, he was admitted to practice law in all State courts in Minnesota, the United States District Court for the District of MN, the Western District of Michigan, and the US Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.

Initially, Tambornino practiced law with the firm of Robins Davis, Lyons until 1965, after which he founded the law firm of Sahr, Kunert, and Tambornino. For 40 years, he dedicated his legal expertise to this firm, focusing on assisting business and entrepreneurial clients with various legal matters, including mergers and acquisitions, real estate transactions, and general litigation. Throughout his career, Tambornino handled approximately 500 contested cases, of which about a third were jury trials, highlighting his commitment to advocating for his clients diligently.

Aside from his professional accomplishments, John Leavitt Tambornino was a devoted family man. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Eva (Eve) Morgan Tambornino, as well as his parents, Katherine and Robert Tambornino, brothers R Terence, Joseph M., Paul J., sister Jeanne Forster, and brother-in-law, John Forster. He is survived by his sister, Mary K. Tambornino (Ron Usem), and his children, Jeanne Bradshaw (Lonnie), Mark M Tambornino (Kristy), Curtis J Tambornino, Laura Dubois (Donnie), Ruth Tambornino, Edward H Tambornino (Courtney). Additionally, he leaves behind grandchildren David, Anthony, Charles, Jackson, Allison, Tyler, Grace, Victoria, Olivia, Rylie, and Jesse, as well as great-grandchildren Nathan, Jasper, Rosalie, Kayden, Emmett, Mica, and Evelyn (Evee).

John Leavitt Tambornino had a passion for golf, bird hunting -both waterfowl and upland game-, and cardplaying. However, his greatest joy stemmed from spending time with his family. The loss of his beloved wife, Eve, profoundly affected him, and he struggled with the void left by her absence every day. A memorial service in honor of John Leavitt Tambornino is scheduled for Saturday, February 22nd, from 2-4 pm at Gill Brothers Funeral Home, located at 5801 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis.

Tambornino’s legacy is one of legal excellence, dedication to his clients, and unwavering love for his family. His impact on the legal profession and the lives of those he touched will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him.