A native of Greensburg, Pa., USA, Graham spent more than 50 years in the American steel industry, leading major producers such as Jones & Laughlin Steel, Armco Steel and the USX steel division, now United States Steel Corporation. He also was a leading voice for the U.S. industry as a whole, serving as chairman of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) from 1986 to 1989. 

"The steel industry has lost a great leader and pioneer," said AISI president and chief executive officer Kevin Dempsey. "We are thankful for Tom’s dedication and leadership in advancing the American steel industry."

A civil engineer by education, Graham began his career as a draftsman and worked his way up the ranks into management positions. 

He became chief executive officer at Jones & Laughlin (later LTV) Steel Corp. in 1974. In 1983, he was recruited as vice chairman of USX and chief operating officer of its U.S. Steel Division and led an often-controversial, "whatever-it-takes" revival of what was then the nation’s largest steel producer. 

He retired from USX in 1991, but shortly thereafter joined Washington Steel as its chief executive. He was then recruited to Armco Steel LP, which under his watch became AK Steel Corp.

According to his family, Graham was never one to settle for good enough in his career.  

"He relished seeing both people and assets achieving their potential," they said. "He held a special fondness for the men and women who worked with him to implement the often-difficult changes in culture at the heart of the successful transformation of the companies that he led. Tom had the courage 'to break eggs to make an omelet.'" 

In addition to leading American steel producers, Graham served on the boards of several major U.S. corporations, including Uniroyal Corp., Mellon Bank, International Paper Corp., and Hershey Foods. He retired at age 70, but he remained active into his 80s running a consulting business.  

During his five-decade career, Graham received some of the industry's most distinguished honors, including the Gary Medal, the Willy Korf Steel Vision Award, and the Benjamin F. Fairless Award, which is presented annually by the Association for Iron & Steel Technology (AIST). 

“Tom dedicated his career to inspiring others to transcend the status quo. Much of the steel industry’s success today is rooted in his vision," said AIST executive director Ron Ashburn.  

Graham is survived by his devoted wife of 75 years, Irene Wallace Graham; four children, Susan (John) Scheessele, of Naples, Fla., Thomas (Joan) Graham Jr., of Mason, Ohio, John (Susan) Graham, of Bloomington, Ind., and Sara (Dale) Balough, of Los Angeles, Calif.; nine grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. 

A memorial service has been set for 11 a.m. Aug. 12 at Bower Chapel at Moorings Park, 130 Moorings Park Drive, Naples, Fla.