Michael O'Sullivan Floyd, 75, attorney

Michael O'Sullivan Floyd, 75, of Center City, a Philadelphia lawyer who specialized in commercial litigation, died Friday, Jan. 9, of complications from Parkinson's disease at his home.

Mr. Floyd spent his 43-year career with the firm Drinker Biddle & Reath L.L.C. His office was in Philadelphia.

According to a resumé on the company's website, Mr. Floyd concentrated on product liability and antitrust work. He generally represented big area companies when actions were brought against them.

His cases "ran the gamut," from technically complex matters involving alleged defects in heavy industrial cranes, automobiles, and engines to trade-secret litigation and representing car manufacturers in cases challenging auto dealership practices.

Mr. Floyd frequently represented pharmaceutical companies, his resumé said. He also argued before federal courts in antitrust cases under the Sherman and Robinson-Patman Acts.

Drinker Biddle chairman Alfred W. Putnam described Mr. Floyd as "a very fine lawyer."

"He was a partner in this firm for many years. He was good in court, but he was known for painstaking preparation of the client's case," Putnam said.

Mr. Floyd ceased being a partner in 2004 and practiced part-time until retiring in April 2009.

Born in Woodbury and reared in Gloucester City, he graduated from St. Joseph's Preparatory School and St. Joseph's University. While in college, he worked as an apprentice pipe fitter at the Camden shipyards, where he "proudly helped build" the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk, his family said.

Mr. Floyd then went to the University of Pennsylvania Law School, where he was an editor of the law review. He was awarded a Ford Fellowship at the Hague Academy of International Law for several months in 1963 and graduated cum laude from Penn in 1964.

Mr. Floyd clerked for Judge Thomas James Clary in the U.S. Eastern District of Pennsylvania before joining Drinker Biddle.

Outside the courtroom, Mr. Floyd was involved in Philadelphia's civic life. He was a cofounder of the Philadelphia Chamber Ensemble, and a former vice president and director of the Navy League of the United States-Philadelphia Chapter, and was a member of the Union League of Philadelphia. For many years, he was active with the Philadelphia Bar Association's international law section.

Surviving are his wife of 44 years, Mary Louise Santor; sons Michael F., Edward W., and Stephen A.; three granddaughters; and a sister.

A visitation from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, will be followed by a 10 a.m. Funeral Mass at Old St. Joseph's Church, 321 Willings Alley. Burial is private.

Donations may be made to St. Joseph's University, Office of University Advancement, 5600 City Ave., Philadelphia 19131.