2014
Memorial
Tributes
Monroe County Bar Association
Annual Memorial Ceremony
Friday, November 14, 2014
A TRIBUTE TO
CURTIS W. BARKER, ESQ.
1927 - 2013
It is a privilege to honor my husband of sixty years, Curtis W. Barker, and his
life-long service to his family of 4 children, friends and community. He
graduated from East High, served in the U.S. Navy, graduated from St.
Lawrence University, Albany Law School and began his career in 1954 in
Rochester with the Oviatt Gilman firm and then with Luell Johnson. After
moving to Honeoye Falls, he opened his country law office, practicing for 35
years then moving on to be the General Manager, CEO and President of the
Delhi Telephone Company in Delhi, NY, a family owned utility.
While in the Village of Honeoye Falls, Curt began helping local organizations
as Village attorney for 4 years, Village Justice for 15 years, Honeoye Falls
School attorney for 15 years and Town of Mendon attorney for 20 years. Curt
was the Lima Village attorney for 4 years. He was a member of the Bar
Association and served on the Justice Court and Education Law Committees.
He taught Law for Laymen and after their retirement he performed pro bono
work for Legal Assistance in Western NY. He was active in the Legion Post
664, the Honeoye Falls Fire Department and Ambulance squad. He worked
with the Honeoye Falls Business and Professional Association. He was a
Trustee of the Presbyterian Church, Town Chairman of the Community Chest,
played in the Village Band and the Honeoye Falls theatrical group. As a
member, Curt was a past president and Paul Harris Fellow of the Honeoye
Falls Rotary Club.
Along with these accomplishments, which had a positive influence on the lives
of others, is included the youth of the community as the 30-years plus
scoutmaster of the local Boy Scout troop. Curt was an avid fisherman, tying
his own fishing flies. He hunted, camped and loved boating, belonging to the
Finger Lakes Boating Museum as a founding Admiral. He never aspired to be
a Clarence Darrow, but enjoyed helping others with his gentle and caring way
through his leadership, guidance and commitment.
Respectfully submitted by:
Jane M. Barker
A TRIBUTE TO
RICHARD M. BRINDISI, ESQ.
1934 – 2013
Richard M. Brindisi, known as Dick to his family and friends, was a member of
the Monroe County Bar Association since 1963, practicing his entire career as
a civil litigation attorney with Connors and Corcoran. From a professional
standpoint, that is how he would want to be remembered.
From a personal standpoint he was a loving husband to Cecile Brindisi, father
to his sons, Richard and Joseph, and grandfather to Chase, Colgan, Declan,
and Dane Brindisi. As a member of the Bar, he was a friend and mentor to
many. I found it notable that his very best friends came from those that he
practiced with, those he opposed in the course of his practice, as well as those
that practiced but whose professional paths never crossed with his.
The most lasting memory, and the one he would be most proud of, is the
number of people that used to stop him to say hi long after he retired. These
were people he had trouble placing initially but after a brief conversation,
would recognize as someone he had helped as they started out in the practice of
law. His willingness to help out young lawyers as they got started was one of
the many reasons he will be missed.
Respectfully submitted by:
Richard D. Brindisi
A TRIBUTE TO
RICHARD A. CALABRESE, ESQ.
1934 – 2014
Richard’s parents were Anthony and Rose Calabrese. He was married to
Marcia (Wesley) for 56 years and they had 5 children.
Calabrese grew up on Roycroft Drive in Rochester. He had his own paper
route, and then worked at his father’s Calabrese Bakery and uncle’s butcher
shop, Balsam Food Market.
Richard graduated from Aquinas Institute, St. John Fisher College and
Syracuse University College of Law. He was a founding partner in the law firm
of Elliott, Stern and Calabrese and met his partners while in law school, where
he graduated in 1960. Calabrese and Elliott started working with Fred G.
Blum before joining with Stern to form their partnership in 1961.
Calabrese brought an entrepreneurial spirit to Elliott, Stern and Calabrese,
and a favorable stock market led to several successful public offerings in the
1960s.
Calabrese is the last original partner of the family-oriented firm to pass. It was
an unusual partnership in that Calabrese and Elliott practiced together for
nearly 50 years and each partner also saw a child join the firm. Herbert Stern,
who died in 1996, had a son, David, who is now a partner, as is Karen Elliott.
Calabrese’s son Christopher also is a partner.
He also served as Chairman of the Board of First National Bank of Rochester
in the 1980s and 1990s. He led an investor group that purchased the First
National Bank of Rochester which proved to be a tremendous success. The
bank, which merged with M&T Bank in 1998, saw its assets grow, with firm
members at the helm as majority stockholders, from $15 million in the 1970s to
about $500 million in 1990.
In addition to their law practice, Elliott, Stern, Calabrese and other members
of the firm at one time owned two prominent buildings in Rochester, The
Powers Building and the Wilder Building.
But friends and colleagues remember him best as a kind-hearted, generous man
who was an excellent lawyer. Described as an eternal optimist, one of his
strengths was his passion for people, lending a hand in times of need and going
out on a limb to help both professionally and personally.
Calabrese had a knack for creatively and innovatively solving problems for
clients while navigating the legal system. He had a way of listening to clients
and understanding their problems. He was able to handle legal issues but
sometimes more importantly, he helped them emotionally get through the legal
process.
After the death of Stern in 1996, Calabrese bought the iconic Times Square
building, which is managed by his son, Richard Calabrese Jr. Calabrese also
enjoyed working with another son, Michael, on various developments in the
city. He liked and had an appreciation for old buildings and tried to preserve
their historic integrity.
While mainly working on his own projects, Calabrese still came to the Elliott
Stern and Calabrese office in the Wilder Building, as he had done every day
more than 50 years, right up until the day he passed.
For the past decade he joked that his office next to Irving Pheterson’s
comprised the geriatric ward of the office.
In 2009 he received the Justinian Medal, which is awarded to St. John Fisher
College graduates who give outstanding service to their profession and
community.
As much as he loved his work, Calabrese enjoyed spending time with his
family, especially his wife of 56 years, Marcia, and their five children. He had
a particular passion for the family island “Castle Rest” which they have had
for more than 40 years in the Thousand Islands.
“His death will be without question a loss to the community and a loss to the
legal profession. He was just an exceptional man in many ways. These are
individuals who don’t come around very often.” Hon. Francis A. Affronti.
Respectfully submitted by:
Christopher J. Calabrese, Esq.
A TRIBUTE TO
RICHARD B. CALLEN, ESQ.
1942 – 2013
Richard was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. He graduated
Christopher Columbus High School and continued his education at Syracuse
University where he planned to study accounting. He was active in his
fraternity, Tau Delta Phi and remained social chairman for several years.
Soon after his freshman year, he developed an interest in pre-law and switched
majors. Upon graduation, he attended Georgetown Law Center and after 2
years, we married in 1965. Upon graduating a year later and passing the New
York State Bar exam that summer, he began practicing in Rochester. He first
practiced with Lacy, Katzen, Jones and Ryan and in 1982 joined to form
Darweesh, Callen, Lewis and Von Dohlen in Greece. In 2003 we retired to
Charleston, South Carolina where we lived for 10 years and where he spent
many hours volunteering for the local chapter of the ACLU. When his health
began to fail, we then moved closer to our sons and their families in Atlanta
and settled in a beautiful golf community in the North Georgia Mountains.
Through many stories that Richard’s clients often shared with me, he was a
dedicated advocate who worked tirelessly and was always accessible. His
sharp intellect, his diligence in all matters, and his wonderful sense of humor
endeared him to a great many people. As his health began to fail, his sense of
humor helped to keep friends and family members positive – even when he
knew what the outcome would eventually be.
His 4 grandchildren were the loves of his life and he gave and received tons of
love and affection. His greatest passion was his sons and their families, but he
loved golf, boating, reading and, of course, Syracuse basketball.
He would be so pleased to know that the Bar Association is honoring him
today.
Respectfully submitted by:
Susan Callen
A TRIBUTE TO
C. RICHARD COLE, ESQ.
1936 – 2014
Dick Cole was born in Olean, New York and grew up in Buffalo. A late
bloomer, he weighed 135 pounds when he graduated from Kenmore High
School. Dick blossomed at Union College where he earned his degree in
mechanical engineering, played football and was a star sprinter. After a stint
in the U.S. Navy Seabees, he attended and graduated from Albany Law School
in 1965.
Dick spent his entire legal career with Harter, Secrest & Emery, working in the
corporate department. He spent many years on the firm’s management
committee and became its managing partner. He was known as a valuable
resource, role model, and mentor to younger attorneys at the firm. Dick also
served as a long-time member of the Rochester Real Estate Board. He retired
from the practice of law in 1996 to care for his wife, Marcia, who was in ill
health.
Dick enjoyed the practice of law and the strong friendships at Harter Secrest,
but chose not to return to the practice of law after Marcia passed away.
Instead, Dick dedicated his life to volunteer opportunities, pursuing his
interests in music and photography and his love for the outdoors. He met, fell
in love with, and married Nancy Ashby, and enjoyed spending time with
together with her. Throughout his full life, Dick was an inspirational figure to
his friends, colleagues, family, and especially to his grandchildren, all of whom
adored him.
Respectfully submitted by:
Steven E. Cole, Esq.
A TRIBUTE TO
LOUIS D’AMANDA II, ESQ.
1929 – 2014
Louis D’Amanda was immensely popular, even with his opponents. Well
known for his tenacity in the court-room, and an irrepressible spirit no matter
where he was, he collected friends and left memories in a way that no one else
did. The proof is in the mention of his name. It always brings a smile. Louis
D’Amanda stories are legend and too numerous to populate here.
Louis was born in Rochester in 1929. He went to Harley School, Wesleyan
University, Harvard Business School and Cornell Law School. Out of law
school, he joined the firm of Chamberlain D’Amanda and began his practice
with his father, Francis D’Amanda. The firm experienced 82 continuous years
of having a D’Amanda partner. He sat on the firm’s executive committee and
was instrumental in the firm’s success. From the outside, it was his skill in the
court-room that brought notoriety, but more important to the firm was the spirit
he brought to its halls on a daily basis. He spoke to everyone, gave everyone
an incentive to go forward, and everyone knew what was missing when he
retired. He did so many things the right way. For example, as head of the trial
department, and responsible for assigning files on intake, he stopped assigning
files to himself several years before he reached age 70. By the time he retired,
every single client of his had been successfully transferred to the next
generation of lawyers in the firm. He did it without telling anyone (no fanfare
ego), he did it without mandatory retirement, simply put, he clearly saw the
right thing to do and he did it.
Louis was dedicated to his family. He spent every day of his married life with
his wife, Allis Van Voorhis D’Amanda, as well as every non-working minute
with her. He was present to his children. When horseback riding and
competing in three-day events became a sport for his children, not wanting to
be just a groom, not his style, he took up the sport himself and competed
alongside his children. His family loved him dearly and he never failed to
repay twofold.
A happy, loyal and quick witted spirit is no longer part of the Rochester legal
community. But, Louis D’Amanda’s lifelong example of showing respect for
peers, his gentleman ethics, and the rule of law that leads to a full life will be
with us forever.
Respectfully submitted by:
John F. D’Amanda, Esq.
A TRIBUTE TO
WILLIAM T. FRENCH, ESQ.
1921 – 2013
I was born in Savannah, Georgia on October 1, 1921 and was raised by my
schoolteacher mother in Miami, Florida - a true southern boy, as I like to say,
even though I have spent more than three quarters of my life "up north". I
attended the University of Florida, graduating in 1943 with a degree in
chemical engineering. World War II interrupted my engineering career plans.
I entered the US Army Officers Candidates School and after graduating from
that program I was assigned to the 86th Chemical Mortar Battalion and was
sent to the European Theater of Operation in 1944, where I fought in the Battle
of the Bulge, and elsewhere in Belgium and Germany.* After the war I stayed
in the Army with the thought of making it a career. I was sent back to
Germany, where I worked in the Counter Intelligence Unit and more
importantly met my wife of sixty-four years, Sophia, a beautiful Dutch woman
who was working for the United Nations in a Polish refugee camp in Germany.
After asking her to marry me and returning to the U.S., I decided that I wanted
to attend law school and enrolled in George Washington University Law
School under the GI Bill. While in law school, I worked for the US Patent
Office, and by the time of my graduation I concluded that I would have a career
as a patent attorney. I was immediately recruited by the Gulf Oil Company and
worked for them in Pittsburgh for approximately ten years. I was subsequently
recruited by Eastman Kodak Company and in 1960 moved even farther north to
Rochester with my wife and family of four daughters. One big challenge of that
job change was being required to take the NYS Bar Exam, more than ten years
out of law school, with a full time job, and four loud and active children. I
passed the bar on the first try and was proudly admitted in 1961.
I spent the next approximately twenty-five years as a patent attorney, retiring in
about 1986 - exact dates are a little foggy these days. After my Kodak
retirement I volunteered at the DA's Office - for quite a change of pace from
patent law! I will always be grateful to Howard Relin for giving me that
wonderful opportunity. I also did some other volunteer legal services work
over the years. Realizing that I still had some patent law left in me, through a
friend at Nixon Peabody, I joined that firm as an associate and worked first
full-time then part-time, thoroughly enjoying working with a wonderful group
of intellectual property attorneys for several years, until family commitments
finally forced me to really retire. As I look back on my legal work, I realize
how fortunate I have been to have the security, the challenge, the interest and
especially in later years, the variety of a truly wonderful career.
From: William T. French’s
50-Year Honoree Reflections
* Editor’s Note: Mr. French was awarded the Bronze Star.
A TRIBUTE TO
BERNARD GASTEL, ESQ.
1927 – 2013
Bernard liked to watch 60 Minutes on Sunday night. Without fail, he loved
reading the news. He loved watching the national and international news. He
always seemed to have either The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal or
The Democrat and Chronicle in his hand and sometimes all three at once.
News to him was facts. Facts were truth. He didn’t like the confusion
surrounding the facts. He wanted to know the truth. He felt that practicing law
was a process of getting to the truth.
Bernard Gastel was born into very humble surroundings in a neighborhood of
Rochester with a large immigrant and first generation American population.
The immigrant population had largely fled Eastern Europe due to prejudice
and came to the United States for opportunity. Born in 1927, two years before
the Great Depression, Bernard’s personal character was forged by the
disadvantaged community he was born into, the recognition of the
opportunities available to him in this country, the strong work ethic of the
community that pushed him to achieve, and by coming of age in the 1930’s and
40’s when life in American was an intense struggle.
After graduating from Franklin High School, Bernard went to the University of
Rochester and Brooklyn Law School. After graduating, he joined the Navy just
as the war was ending. At a wedding he met his future wife, Rita Weinstein.
They were married in l956. Bernard and Rita had five children; the oldest,
Steven, passed away as a child. He is survived by Nancy, Justin, Jonathan and
Tom Gastel. Having a family and providing for them was very important to
him.
In Rita, he found a wife who created a nurturing home. Both were strong
people and they knew what they wanted. They both were independent minded.
As their health declined, their interdependence became apparent. It was quite
touching to see them sit together feeling the security of being in each other’s
presence. He was with her and she with him. Life would take its course and
there was little that could alter that, but at least they could be together.
Bernard had five grandchildren which brought him immense joy. The children
doing a simple act such as playing on the carpet in front of him or hearing
about what activities they were involved in made Bernard so happy.
Athletic pursuits were a constant in his life from handball, to racquetball, to
football at the University of Rochester, to baseball, to basketball at the JCC,
and then golf at Irondequoit Country Club. Golf may have been most
challenging for him. Possibly that is why Bernard spent so much time pursuing
golf. Arguably, golf is a new game each time you play. The endless variables
of the slope of the terrain, the constantly changing Rochester weather all
contribute to the challenge that is golf. Bernard wanted to be the best at every
sport and that is why golf was such a challenge to him. Or maybe he liked
being on a golf course for all the serenity of it all or what it represented.
Bernard was out on the golf course at sunrise and undoubtedly one of the first
to play at ICC when the snow was melting in the spring.
Bernard set high goals for himself and wanted others around him to reach their
high goals. Not reaching those goals, in his eyes, was not an option. He joined
forces with a fellow attorney and Chikovsky & Gastel was established which
became one of the most successful personal injury firms in Monroe County.
Bernard then created his own firm. He often talked about how much he enjoyed
meeting his lawyer friends in what he called his “Coffee Klatch” to discuss
law, politics, and family. Meeting long time friends at the JCC also brought a
lot of happiness to him.
Bernard was largely a product of the environment he was born into and of a
time period where survival was a challenge. That environment pushed people
to set the highest of personal and national standards. Bernard excelled in
Latin in high school. Interestingly, the motto of Bernard’s undergraduate
schooling at the University of Rochester is “Meliora”. In Latin, “meliora”
translates as “in pursuit of the better”, which Bernard Gastel certainly lived
by.
Respectfully submitted by:
Tom Gastel
A TRIBUTE TO
ROBERT V. GIANNINY, ESQ.
1924 – 2014
Bob was born in Irondequoit. He was raised there and after his graduation
from Irondequoit High School, joined the U.S. Army. He was shipped to the
Pacific Theater where he served in Guadalcanal, Bougainville, and the
Philippines where he was wounded in the invasion of Cebu Island. He
graduated from Syracuse University and married Joanne Koerner just before
entering Albany Law School, graduated in 1953. His first job out of law school
was with the father and son law firm of Fred Weidman, located at 45 Exchange
St. in the Four Corners of Rochester, which then was the hub of the legal
community in Rochester.
After two years, he joined with his father, Sam Gianniny, to practice law at 45
Exchange St. where Sam was already practicing transportation law. Higgens
Erectors and Haulers, was one of their larger clients.
Around 1960, Midtown Plaza was built and Bob, along with Wib Middleton
and Al Boylan, set up an office there, and became the firm of Middleton,
Gianniny and Boylan, which is now known as Boylan Code. During those
years, Bob specialized in commercial real estate, and was acting attorney for
the building if Xerox Square and Lincoln Tower. He practiced law with that
firm until becoming of counsel to Harter Secrest & Emery in 1987.
Upon retirement from law, he joined his sons in the real estate development
business, developing, among others, Linden Oaks Office Park. Bob was, for
many years on the board of the Memorial Art Gallery, serving as president. He
also spent many years on the boards of Albany Law School and Genesee
Country Village and Museum. Other boards that he served on included
Compeer, The Landmark Society and the Rochester Area Community
Foundation.
Bob leaves his wife of 64 years, Joanne, his son, Bruce (Dana) Gianniny, his
son, Mark (Cynthia) Gianniny, and his daughter, Gayle (Bob) Stiles;
grandchildren, Mark Jr, (Maggie) Gianniny, Amanda Gianniny, Lauren (Brad)
Boyer, Blake Gianniny, Sarah (Guillaume) de la Villarmois, Allison Stiles, Max
Gianniny, Carolyn Stiles, Joanne Stiles, Jack Gianniny and Danny Gianniny,
and great grandchildren, Mark Gianniny III, Charlotte Gianniny and Henry
Boyer.
He was a loving grandfather, known as Pooh, who instituted the Pooh School
of Business and Economics for his grandchildren and served as magician at
many of their birthday parties. His family considered him to be a Renaissance
man, designing and creating lovely sculpture, paintings, jewelry and rose
gardens.
His friends will remember his competitive nature in golf,
backgammon and, well, …just about anything. We will miss his warmth, his
wonderful story telling, and his ability to see the humor in many situations.
Respectfully submitted by:
Mark Gianniny A TRIBUTE TO
LLOYD L. HURST, ESQ.
1922 – 2013
Lloyd L. Hurst (aka: to family and friends as Lloyd, Big Peeps, Papa, Your
Honor, Mack Daddy, The Commissioner, Pete, Dad, Hoss, 540, Grogan and
Boo. I knew him as mentor, law partner and a friend). He was born in Suffolk,
VA on January 19, 1922 to William and Annie Hurst. He thrived as he grew up
in the company of his 9 siblings and numerous friends. His live in Suffolk was
one of hard work, discipline, absolute committee to family and faith, and the
comforts of a loving, stable home.
Lloyd started college at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical School,
then left to earn additional money for college expenses. He bartended and
waited tables for several years, then returned to college in West Virginia. He
graduated from West Virginia State College and Brooklyn Law School. He
subsequently formed the law firm of Hurst and Hurst with his olde4r brother,
William, in Brooklyn, New York. He moved to Rochester, New York in 1953.
As he began his law practice in Rochester, he worked as a janitor in a local
library in part because it provided an apartment, as white landlords refused
him rentals. He owned and ran a bar called “Ebony” to support his family.
He often represented those in need free of charge, and was role model, mentor
and advisor on legal, professional and personal issues to countless members of
the community.
Lloyd served as an assistant deputy legal advisor to Monroe County and
founded the law firm of Hurst and Davis with Reuben K. Davis in l955, which
later became Hurst, Davis, King and McDowell. In l962 Governor Nelson
Rockefeller appointed Lloyd as Commissioner of the New York State
Commission for Human Rights, and later to the New York State Human Rights
Appeal Board where he served as Chairman from 1972 to 1975. During this
time he was also moderator of a public interest television program called, “On
the Spot”. He was a community leader, activist and advocate.
His civic affiliations included service on the Board of Directors of the Urban
League of Rochester, The Rochester Boys’ Club, the Housing Council of The
Catholic Interracial Council, Legal Advisor and Chairman of the Trustee
Board of Mount Olivet Baptist Church, Member of the Board of Directors and
Trustee Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School.
Lloyd was a loving family man. His family and friends meant everything to
him. For over 25 years he was married to Claire J. Hurst and up until his
death they remained loyal friends. They raised 3 children, Leslie, Ann Marie
and Brad, and were surrogate parents to numerous young adults who referred
to Lloyd as “Big Peeps”.
Lloyd was an avid golfer and one got a hole in one. The Commissioner loved
little cars, in spite of his 6’4” frame. In high school Hoss played football. Aka
as 540, he was a terrible dancer but wasn’t afraid to try! Hoss had over 3
filled address books, and still did not have room for all the contact information
for family and friends. He sent greeting cards for every occasion, and if you
did not acknowledge receipt, he would remind you that you failed to answer his
note or card.
In his final working years, Lloyd resided in San Francisco, CA, where he
served as regional counsel for the United States Government General Services
Administration. In 1988 he moved to Charlotte, NC to be with his daughters
Anne and Lesley.
Lloyd loved the Lord. He believed in service to his community, and serve he
did. On December 11, 2013 African American lawyers in Rochester lost a
pioneer, on whose shoulders we all state. Personally, I lost a lifetime friend
and mentor.
Respectfully submitted by:
Hon. Roy Wheatley King
A TRIBUTE TO
STEVEN E. LAPRADE, ESQ.
1970 – 2014
When remembering Steve Laprade, my first thought is what a gentlemen, family
man and great guy. He was a true gentleman, one of those people when you
meet is simply a pleasure to be in the company of be it at work, at home or at
play. Steve’s smiling disposition, his willingness to make time for everyone
who engaged him, his honesty and integrity were the hallmark of his personal
and professional life. His passing at the age of 44 was much too early and it
has and will always remain a great loss to his family and colleagues.
Steve was born in Watertown, New York, and at an early age moved to
Rochester. He was a 1988 graduate of Fairport High School where he was a
standout basketball player on their sectional teams.
He attended
undergraduate at Michigan State University (MSU), class of 1993, which, if
you knew Steve, was his first love affair – MSU. Sports was not only a staple in
his life, but his mornings at Phillips Lytle started and ended with a surf of the
internet for all things MSU basketball and football. I know we spent much too
many billable hours debating who was greater, MSU or Laker alumni Magic
Johnson or my beloved Celtic, Larry Bird. Having Steve next door was better
than having ESPN next door.
Steve was a 1997 graduate of the University of Buffalo Law School. He started
his career in Buffalo with Brown & Kelly, but jumped at the opportunity to
move to Rochester and begin a long run at Phillips Lytle. That’s where I met
Steve and worked with him closely for 10 years, our offices side-by-side.
Steve was an outstanding commercial litigator. He represented many financial
institutions and corporations in New York State on a vast array of creditor and
debtor rights matters. What made Steve special was his ability in extremely
contentious and high stakes matter to always take the high road – being the
consummate gentleman lawyer – a true example to follow and tribute to our
profession.
At about the time I left to take the bench, Steve left Phillips Lytle, ultimately to
become a partner at Reeve Brown PLLC, where he was in the beginning years
of establishing his role in their young partnership.
There was of course a second and greater love affair that was with his beautiful
and loving wife, Melinda, with whom they share 3 beautiful children: Kelly,
jack and Kristin. Their family was Steve’s greatest and most adored
achievement. I know this because you could see it in his eyes and hear it in his
voice when he spoke to me about them.
Steve was struck by cancer at a very young age; he battled it so very
courageously, fearlessly, tirelessly and with grace – like the Spartan he was –
like the gentlemen he will always be remembered to be.
Respectfully submitted by:
Hon. John L. DeMarco
A TRIBUTE TO
LAURA B. MONTE, ESQ.
1979 – 2014
Laura B. Monte was born in Rochester, New York to Thomas and Connie
Specht. She received her undergraduate degree in social work from Nazareth
College and her Doctor of Law degree from Roger Williams University. She
married Daniel Monte in June of 2005 and was the proud mother of Isabella
Lucia Monte, who was born in April of 2010.
Prior to moving back to Rochester in October of 2013, Laura worked for seven
years as a barred attorney in Arizona. For three of those years, Laura served
tirelessly as an Assistant Attorney General, representing the state in numerous
child welfare cases. Her passion for family law spilled over into the private
sector, as she devoted herself to working with many families on matters such as
child custody, divorce, child support, and adoption. Upon moving back to
upstate New York, Laura continued as a legal advocate for children and
families. She was an active member of both the County Bar Association and
Rotary International.
Laura loved the Rochester area and moved back to re-establish her roots, be
closer to family, and give back to the community. She was an active runner,
studied yoga, enjoyed reading, and spending time with her friends and
family. Laura passed away on May 1st, 2014, and will be remembered for her
never ending loyalty, courage, and fun-loving spirit.
Respectfully submitted by:
Daniel A. Monte, Husband
A TRIBUTE TO
JOSEPH F. PAPA, ESQ.
1938 – 2014
Joseph F. Papa was born April 2, 1938 to Frank and Mary Papa. Frank
owned Papa & Sons, Road and Paving contractors for decades in the
Rochester area, Joe worked on the road crew every summer from about age 10
through college He even learned to drive a steam roller at age 13 before he
ever drove a car!
Joe attended school in Rochester and graduated from Brighton High School in
1956. On July 20, 1963, he married Lois Marie Tette, daughter of Tom and
Mary Tette. Tom owned The Cup & Saucer Family Restaurant in Rochester,
NY.
Soon after in 1964, Joe graduated from St. John Fisher College, Rochester NY
with degree in Political Science. He then went on to earn his Juris Doctor
degree from Catholic University of America, Washington DC in 1967. And on
June 22, 1968, Joe was admitted to practice law in the State of New York.
In June 1978, Joe permanently relocated his family to Boca Raton, FL where
he opened his own general practice law firm specializing in real estate, wills,
trusts, estates/probate and elder law. He continued to stay connected to the
Rochester area as a member of the Monroe County Bar Association. He and his
father Frank, who resided there with his mother, obtained a general
contractor’s license and built some model homes as well as other real estate
ventures. Every Sunday was spent with parents and family enjoying a
traditional home cooked Italian meal.
From 1981 to 1985, Joe served on the City of Boca Raton Code Enforcement
Board using his experience and knowledge gained as a real estate attorney,
eventually becoming Chairman.
From the mid-to-late 1980's, he and his wife Lois served as the Family Life
Coordinators of St Joan of Arc Catholic Church, Boca Raton, FL. As family
life coordinators, they planned, managed and administered functions and
fundraisers that brought parishioners together.
During the latter part of their years, Joe and Lois enjoyed international travel,
including Spain, London and Paris.
Until Lois died in 2003, Joe and Lois continued to make yearly trips to
Rochester to visit family, friends and colleges in the legal and Italian-American
community.
Respectfully submitted by:
Frank T. Papa
A TRIBUTE TO
BENJAMIN PHELOSOF, ESQ.
1921 – 2014
Raised in the Bronx, Ben attended New York City schools, including City
College of New York (CCNY). After serving with the Army during World War
II, Ben attended Harvard Law School. During a trip with his wife, May, to visit
relatives, they spent some time in Rochester, liked what they saw and decided
to make Rochester their home.
When I started working part time as Ben’s secretary in 1968, none of us
imagined it was a beginning of a lifelong friendship between our families. It
was a pleasure and a privilege to have known and worked for Ben.
A soft spoken, caring man, he was always available to listen to and counsel
anyone needing his advice. His desire to help those in need of affordable legal
services prompted him to start a clinic based on a sliding payment schedule
according to means, which was very much appreciated by those who took
advantage of his help.
Ben was active in pro bono work and assisted organizations working to
improve the lives of lower income families. Ben (and I) retired in 1995 when
he closed the office.
A longtime client once described Ben as “a wise man and a true gentleman”. I
heartily agree and believe this to be an excellent description of Ben and a
fitting tribute.
Respectfully submitted by:
Mary Ann Wallace
A TRIBUTE TO
IRVING PHETERSON, ESQ.
1928 – 2013
A few years ago Irving Pheterson and a few others celebrated 50 years of
practicing law. This achievement was recognized by the Monroe County Bar
Association and each was asked to write something about themselves. After his
passing, his retrospective was found on his computer and who better to
describe his life than Irving himself. He wrote:
“After I graduated the U of R, I worked for 4 years and then entered the service
for two years, and it was the G.I. Bill of Rights that was the impetus for me to
try law school. Since there was no special prerequisite for admission, I figured
that any mediocre student would be able to sail through whatever law school
had to offer. The “sail through” part was not accurate, but the “mediocre
student” qualification was, since I was accepted.
When I entered Law School at Syracuse, I found out that I was the oldest
person in my class. I could have said “oldest man”, except there was one
female in the class. Considering present day, that is hard to believe.
Contrary to most people’s thoughts about their experience in law school, I
enjoyed my 3 years there, but beginning 6 years after undergraduate school, I
felt I had to work harder and maybe that’s why I did enjoy my law school
experience.
I began my practice with Sidney Salzman, who was in practice with John
Lomenzo, and who later on became New York’s Secretary of State (in the 60’s
and 70’s). The practice was primarily litigation, and about 90% negligence
cases involving what happens when two cars meet unexpectedly on the
highway.
Trials were held in what is now the County Office Building. During recess, the
attorneys would hang over the railing looking over the atrium, talking
settlement, and whatever. During the same recess, the juries also hung around
the same railing where they learned more about the case than from the witness
stand. Sam Chikofsky, the great trial lawyer of the day would usually be there
pontificating words of wisdom for us younger kids.
After about 8 years, I left Sidney Salzman, I went out on my own and associated
myself with the firm of Elliott, Stern & Calabrese, not officially but through
close association. My best recollection is that of working with Herby Stern,
who, as those who knew him, can testify that he was unique and without
comparison. He drove me nuts. There was not a day we did not argue about
something, and if we could not find something to argue about, we would argue
about nothing.
When my nephew Steve Pheterson, whose genes are not totally dissimilar from
mine, became an attorney, he began working with me and then we became
partners. Steve was more friendly with people than I am so he made nice with
real estate brokers and built up a real estate practice. I think we worked
together for about 15 years, and got along famously, but the lure of the real
estate practice led him to another floor in the Wilder Building from mine,
replete with paralegals and closing rooms, but we still work together on many
cases that I enjoy handling.
I have never thought about retiring and have always enjoyed (maybe not
always, but at least mostly) the practice. I am still a sole practitioner
principally because no one I know in the law would want to spend too much
time with me. I have kept up my relationship with Elliott, Stern & Calabrese,
and find that we work together on many matters in a harmonious way. I miss
Herby but find that fighting with Dick Calabrese is almost as satisfying. We are
both in the geriatrics ward of the Wilder Building.
To some people, 50 years doing the same thing, is a long time. To me, too. But,
there is something to it – I can’t figure out what, and maybe that’s why I am
still here trying to figure it out.
“Irving loved practicing law. He was known for yelling at clients and
sometimes staff. He wasn’t yelling in anger though, he was yelling in
frustration. Whatever the case happened to be, his mind immediately
formulated a plan and he asked questions as would be asked in a court room.
When the client wasn’t answering his questions as directly as his question
required he’d interrupt and raise his voice. If the client continued to explain
circumstances and not answer the question he’d raise his voice ever louder.
Eventually the client “got it”. The staff enjoyed hearing Irving yell and I
believe the clients looked forward to it. When Irving took on a client they
became his lifelong client. Irving had just met with a lifelong client to obtain
signatures on a commercial lease document when he suffered a massive heart
attack that ultimately took his life.
He enjoyed meeting and mentoring young attorneys. Many attorneys sought
him out for insights and opinions about cases they were working on. But we’re
really not sure what he loved more, practicing law or traveling the world with
his camera. Each year he planned at least 2 trips to some remote part of the
world. Perhaps traveling was a necessity in order to take thousands of really
amazing photographs. He was an accomplished photographer and some of his
work can be seen on East Main Street. Irving took the pictures of the cyclist
that adorn several windows in one of the buildings.
The last 2 trips that Irving took were to Mongolia and South Africa. In
Mongolia he was convinced by fellow travelers to ride a pony. In Africa he had
the opportunity to walk with the lions. How appropriate. Just 6 months after
Irving’s passing his best friend Dick Calabrese passed away. The geriatrics
ward of the Wilder Building is now closed and the Lions are sorely missed.
Respectfully submitted by,
Steven J. Pheterson, Esq.
A TRIBUTE TO
DREW B. RAMSEY, ESQ.
1944 – 2014
Many of us never get to use our legal expertise to realize personal goals. One
of Drew’s lifelong dreams was to own a vacation spot in the Adirondacks. He
was 45 years old when that dream became a reality. His incredible skill and
expertise in the area of real estate law made that possible. The dream
property, located on the shores of Raquette Lake, had more problems than a
Real Property professor at any law school could fathom. There were numerous
boundary disputes, state borders, easements, rights of way and houses that
should have been condemned. As the real estate broker who listed the
property told me, “No one other than Drew Ramsey could have solved the
problems.” But Drew was determined to solve these and build a home that he
and his family could enjoy for decades.
He worked as hard to achieve this goal as he did when practicing law, first at
Woods Oviatt and later, as a partner at Kaman, Berlove. His clients and
colleagues appreciated his “stick to it” attitude and personality which wouldn’t
let a title issue be solved by the mere issuance of an insurance policy. His
education at the Cornell Law School, preceded by his college years at
Hamilton, prepared him for his career. His athletic ability as an All American
at Hamilton in track and field, specializing in short distance racing, energized
his profession. He never stopped running until August 6, 1989, when a heart
incident disabled him for the rest of his life.
Drew was struck down and lost all short-term memory, forever denying him the
ability to practice law again. His wife, Mary Jane, to whom he was married
from 1972 until his death, and his children, Colin and Allison, were devastated
by their loss. In the first few months his family and friends hoped that he would
recover and resume his career and life as he knew it. But that was not in the
cards. As the months went on it became apparent that Drew would never be
the vibrant, sociable, athletic man we all knew and admired. The property in
the Adirondacks would never be his to enjoy and share with his wife and
children. The career that he had developed would never attain the heights to
which it was destined. Even the town judgeship in Mendon, which he held from
1984 to 1989, could not continue.
The respect and admiration of Drew’s friends and colleagues continued even
though they knew that he would not be able to practice law or to live a
“normal” life any more. Mary Jane raised the children, made sure they went
to college and eventually to Law School and Medical School. The children have
successful careers and are raising the next generation of Ramseys, which
would make Drew proud.
Drew’s professional life was cut short too soon, but his warmth, humor and
love of people will live on. I am honored to have known him and to have spent
as much time with him as I did. Even after his illness, when I was driving Drew
home from a facility I would pick his brain about thorny legal issues. He was
still able to answer those questions succinctly and with an expertise that many
other lawyers lacked. His loss of short-term memory did not affect his islands
of lucidity for me and for those who knew him over these past twenty-five years.
Respectfully submitted by:
Michael S. Schnittman, Esq.
A TRIBUTE TO
JOSEPH C. RINERE, JR., ESQ.
1938 – 2014
Joseph C. Rinere, Jr. was born in Rochester, New York on May 16, 1938 to
Pearl and Joseph C. Rinere, Sr. He added Rochester Public Schools, No. 8 and
Benjamin Franklin High School. He attended the University of Rochester,
where he received his B.A. in 1961. During this time he met Mary Savella, and
indicated to her that he wanted to go to law school. After graduating from the
University of Rochester and being accepted at Syracuse University Law School,
Joe and Mary were married on August 12, 1961.
While Joe was in Law School, Mary was employed by the North Central
Syracuse School District as a teacher, and their first child Joan was born.
After graduating from law school, Joe was employed at Allstate Insurance
Company and Suzanne and Joseph D. were born. After being admitted to the
New York Bar, he was an associate with the Law Firm of Relin, Relin and
Selona. In 1969, he decided to open a solo practice in Rochester, NY.
Subsequently, he was a member of the Law Firm of Frank, Feinstock and
Rinere for a number of years, after which he was a solo practitioner until 1995,
when his son, Joseph D. Rinere, who also attended Syracuse University Law
School joined his father in the law practice and founded Rinere & Rinere, LLP.
Joe had two loves in his life, his family and his law practice. His family always
came first: Mary, his wife of 52 years, his three children, Joan, Suzanne and
Joseph D., and six grandchildren. Mary recalled that Joe had a keen sense of
humor; at times when she would be down about something, he would say
something funny and her cares would disappear like magic. Joe was dedicated
to his clients and they to him. Clients seem to sense that he had a genuine
desire to help them with problems, some of whom he represented for over 40
years.
Joe loved to ear and as long as the menu had something that didn’t swim
during his lifetime, he would eat nearly anything. He loved to travel near and
far. He traveled extensively in Europe, with Italy and France being his
favorites. Later in life, regular trips to Las Vegas were taken where he usually
came home heavier in the wallet. He loved the New York Yankees and kept a
baseball card collection. He was proud of having Mickey Mantle’s rookie card
and all the fillings that he gained from chewing gum packaged with his cards
bought as a boy.
Joe was a longtime member of the Irondequoit Rotary; member and former
board member of the Bayview YMCA. He was an avid motorcyclist and a
member of the Rochester Peacemakers Inc. from 1972 to 2012. He was a
longtime volunteer and supporter of Heritage Christian Services where his
daughter Joan lives in a Heritage Christian Home.
Joe was a devoted Roman Catholic and a member of the Church of the Holy
Spirit in Webster, NY.
Respectfully submitted by:
Mary Rinere
Suzanne R. O’Brien PhD, PT
Joseph D. Rinere, Esq.
Hon. Roy Wheatley King
A TRIBUTE TO
WILLIAM G. SERVIS, ESQ.
1922 – 2013
William G. Servis grew up on Melrose Street in the City of Rochester and had
very fond memories of his friends and neighbors. The family also owned a
summer home on Lake Ontario that his father had built when he was two years
of age. He spent the summer months at Hilton Beach every year. When he was
ten years of age he noticed another child about his age struggling in the Lake,
he swam out and saved him. He received an award from the Rochester Safety
Council for saving his life.
William G. Servis enjoyed playing sports while growing up; soccer, lacrosse,
football. He worked as a lifeguard at Ontario Beach Park. He played football
at Heidelberg College. He attended Heidelberg for two years before enlisting
in the US Navy. He tried to enlist after his first year at College but was told
that because he wore glasses he was not needed. After his second year in
college he then was able to enlist. He served state-side teaching recruits how
to swim and properly abandon ship.
While stationed at Newport Rhode Island he spotted his future wife when he
rode by in a military vehicle on base. He later asked her out. Because he was
an enlisted man and she was an officer, they had to be careful while dating
(enlisted personnel were not allowed to fraternize with officers). Sometimes
she would not wear her uniform (violating military rules during wartime), or
they would go to out of the way places or only with their close friends. Their
military service did result in periods of separation, just before they got engaged
they had been separated for one year - his betrothed on the west coast and
William on the east coast.
After the war they married and moved to Long Island so William G. Servis
could attend New York Law School. Valentine worked weekends as a Nurse;
William worked nights at a toy factory and had other jobs to help pay the bills
while attending law school. Their oldest son, Ron, was born during that time.
After law school William returned to Rochester, living with his family in the
unheated cottage at Hilton Beach late into fall until they could close on their
home on Trimmer Road. The house on Trimmer was not completely finished,
and William was no handyman, but he finished the floors and the interior trim
work. All three children were raised in the house on Trimmer Road. William
worked initially at Allstate Insurance as an insurance adjuster, and a couple
law firms before going to work as an Assistant District Attorney full time.
Later he switched to working as a night court, part time ADA, and started his
own law practice with his father, Harry H. Servis, Sr. So he worked long hours
to provide for the family, working at his own office during the day and then
well into the night at the Town Courts throughout Monroe County as an ADA.
He was often not able to be home for the evening dinner during the week
because he was at work. William was proud of being an attorney and following
in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, who were both attorneys.
William enjoyed cooking on the weekends which were important family time.
Around 1965 William purchased the cottage at Hilton Beach from his father
and the family began spending weekends at the cottage during the summer. He
loved the cottage, had a red sunfish sailboat that he would sail every minute he
could. He could relax at the cottage and had a feeling of closeness to his
parents when he was there. William’s mother died in 1950 and his father in
1970.
William was very much in love with Valentine. He told her often that he loved
her. He was very devoted to her. He was very considerate of others and
enjoyed helping others, which was partly why he enjoyed being an attorney so
much, helping his clients. He would often help other attorneys. On several
occasions, his son Terry Servis had attorneys say to him “I was a young
attorney in court for just the first time and your father helped me out and told
me what I should do.” As recently as December 5, 2013 an attorney admitted
to practice in 1962 shared how William had helped out the first time he
appeared in Rochester City Court.
Above all William G. Servis was proud of his three children and seven
grandchildren; all of whom are college graduates. Education was very
important to him.
Respectfully submitted by:
Hon. Dandrea L. Ruhlmann
A TRIBUTE TO
MICHAEL J. SHORTLEY III, ESQ.
1954 – 2014
Michael was born in Washington, DC and grew up in Chevy Chase, MD. He
was a graduate of Georgetown Preparatory School where he was a star
debater, the University of Virginia with high honors in economics, and the
University of Chicago Law School. He began his legal career at the large firm
of Hughes, Hubbard and Reed where he specialized in Litigation and Antitrust
Law. He later specialized in Telecommunications Law, working in-house at
Bell Atlantic, Frontier (formerly Rochester Telephone), Global Crossing
Telecommunications, and most recently Level 3 Communications in
Broomfield, Colorado.
The general counsel at Level 3 Communications, Mike Mooney, wrote the
following:
“Sometimes, I get busy with work and don’t take time out to recognize those
around me. Well, I don’t want to miss the opportunity to recognize my fellow
employee and friend, Michael Shortley, who died on May 7th of cancer.
Michael was a great guy, a fantastic lawyer, and a dedicated Level 3
employee—he was both a great boss to his employees and a great employee to
me. While on leave in his final weeks, he refused to keep away from work,
having litigation briefs delivered to his hospital bed for review and
improvement. Those who knew Michael knew he could be stubborn, and it
would not surprise them that he flatly rejected my directive to stop working and
to work on getting better. Instead, he ignored me, kept working, and laughed
and joked with me right up until our final conversation. His last order of
business for Level 3 was to save the company over $2,000,000 in an audit by a
regulatory agency, a result we received soon after his death. What an example
of a person dedicated to his job and his company—probably too much so.
Michael was known among his peers and colleagues for his work ethic, sense of
humor and extensive knowledge and versatility as a communications lawyer.
For many years for Level 3 and at predecessor companies, he managed large
regulatory compliance operations while at the same time handling significant
and complex litigation personally. During his career, Michael argued cases
before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia and the Ninth
Circuit, as well as the New York State Court of Appeals and Appellate Division.
He participated in two cases before the United States Supreme Court. He
actually tried a case in St. Louis for Level 3 less than 3 months before he died.
Michael became a marathon runner in his 50s. He was part of the Fleet Feet
Rochester Running Team and ran in several marathons, half marathons and
other races. He ran a mile faster than I ever could about a month after having
20% of a lung removed last Christmas. He also was involved with raising
funds for the local Humane Society animal shelter, and he enjoyed golf and
tennis. Last summer, Michael snuck out with one of his employees (without
telling me) to play golf. He outed himself the next day to brag—not about
himself—but about his employee, who had a hole in one. Michael was a great,
others-centered guy. I will miss him, but think of him often.”
Respectfully submitted by:
Christopher H. Corcoran, Esq.
A TRIBUTE TO
ROBERT L. TEAMERSON, ESQ.
1929 – 2013
I first met Bob in 1947. We were beginning our Hobart College career in
Geneva. Neither of us could have guessed at that point in time how much our
lives would intertwine.
After four good years, we moved on to Ithaca and Cornell Law School. Those
who have attended law school know it is hard work and fierce competition.
Bob really came into-his-own during these three years. He had a fine
analytical mind that found the challenges of the law much to his liking. We had
become close friends by this time and I was happy to join him summers racing
his large sailboat many times on Stony Lake in Canada where his family spent
their summers. Those were great days and it gave me a chance to observe his
competitiveness at close range.
After a stint in the Army during the Korean “Police Action”, Bob came back to
Rochester to begin his practice. He joined Frank Monfredo, another Cornell
classmate, and me at the Liebschutz firm at the Four Corners.
Over the years Bob specialized in the commercial real estate field and in the
area of mortgage foreclosures. He was often consulted by other lawyers and
was held in great esteem by his clients, who really appreciated his dedication
and expertise.
Doris, his wife and helpmate for 58 years, survives as do their children, Bill
and Julie, and three grandchildren.
Together, Bob and Doris toured the world.
My last conversation with him, shortly before he died, related to work he
wanted me to do to make sure certain things happened for his clients’ benefit.
He was practicing right up to the end, which certainly was the way he wanted
it.
It was my good fortune to be a classmate, colleague, partner, and best of all, a
friend for over six decades. Bob was a unique and memorable personality to
all those who knew him. I miss him.
Respectfully submitted by:
Edward Hanley, Esq.
A TRIBUTE TO
VINCENT D. TRINKER, ESQ.
1918 – 2014
Vincent D. Trinker died peacefully March 25 in Fairfield, Conn. He was 96 and
the husband of Elsa (Febe) Trinker. He was a graduate of Madison High
School and Harvard University. He earned his law degree from Boston
University, and practiced law in Rochester for more than 60 years, retiring at
the age of 88.
A World War II veteran, he served in the OSS, the intelligence branch of the
U.S. Army, and was stationed in China. He spoke several languages and was a
past president of the Rochester China Club. He loved music, playing several
musical instruments and singing barbershop music, and was an officer of the
Rochester chapter of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of
Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America for many years.
He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. Survivors include: his
wife of 68 years, Elsa Trinker; a daughter, Gretchen Webster and her husband,
Gary of Fairfield; a son, Gregory Ditrinco and his wife Monica of Boulder,
Colo.; two sisters, Lucy Ferraro of Rochester and Bette Boccacino of Pittsford;
four grandchildren: Morgan Gotfried and her husband Ben of Fairfield;
Whitney Webster of Philadelphia; and Phoebe and Zeno Ditrinco of Boulder;
one great-grandson, Brandyn Gotfried, and many nieces and nephews.
Respectfully submitted by:
The Family of Vincent Trinker