Dayton Docket
Law School In Memoriam 2020
As we reflect on this year, we want to remember those we lost from the law school family in 2020. If you know of any other law alumni who passed away this year but are not on the list, please email Jordan Burgess at jburgess1@udayton.edu.
Thomas Blaschak '92
Blaschak, Thomas Richard, age 53 of Spring Valley, OH passed peacefully with his family by his side, Monday, November 30, 2020 at Miami Valley Hospital.
Tom graduated from Bishop McCort High School in Johnstown, PA, University of Pittsburgh & University of Dayton School of Law obtaining his J.D. He ran a successful law practice for over 23 years in Dayton. Tom loved golfing, playing video poker, was a Caesar’s 7 Stars member, was a long time member of Sugar Valley Golf Club, Dayton Bar Association and he loved to have “Rocket Fuel” with his family and friends. Tom had many accomplishments in his life, but one he was especially honored and proud of, was to have officiated at Courtney & David Stephenson’s wedding. Tom was dedicated to his family, was a wonderful husband, father, son and friend to many. It goes without saying, that he will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. He will be remembered for his kind heart, great sense of humor and being a good friend.
Obituary from Morris Sons Funeral Homes
Robert Dodson '86
Robert Jeff Dodson, 59, of Evansville, Indiana, passed away on Wednesday, July 29, 2020 at Deaconess Midtown Hospital.
Jeff was born in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania on December 10, 1960 to Robert Allen and Jeane (Stevens) Dodson. He graduated from North High School in 1979. Jeff earned a bachelor's degree from Indiana University in 1983 and went on to earn his Juris Doctorate from the University of Dayton in 1986. While at IU, Jeff was the president of his fraternity, Indiana Beta Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon. In 1986, following his graduation from the University of Dayton, Jeff married Candice Garnett, the love of his life. Jeff was a well respected attorney and owned his own firm, Dodson Law and Title, LLC. He was an active mason in the Lessing Masonic Lodge #464.
Jeff was extremely patriotic and a strong supporter of the United States Military. He enjoyed hunting and watching movies with his family and friends. His wit, sense of humor, and incredible ability as a storyteller were legendary. Jeff was larger than life with a strong presence, and yet he was kind, gentle and generous to everyone he came in contact with. Above all else, he will be remembered as a loving husband, father, son, brother and "Poppy" to his grandchildren.
Obituary from Browning Funeral Home
Douglas Fannin '04
Douglas A. Fannin, Esq., age 63, of Fairborn, passed away Monday February 10, 2020. Doug left this world with a full heart and exactly how he wanted: at home with his wife and Scotties Grace O'Malley and Maggie McPhee by his side. His final days were inundated with housefuls of friends, family, food, reminiscing and laughter.
Born December 23, 1956 to Blaine S. (Sam) Fannin and Connie L. Fannin (nee Oyer). Stepmother and friend Marleen Fannin. He loved his Scottish Terriers, one of which he gives credit to for recognizing that something wasn't right, resulting in the first appointment with a Neurologist. Doug had an enormous capacity for friendship, and he considered his friends both old and new to be one of his greatest treasures. Doug was a native of Fairborn, OH and a 1975 Park Hills graduate. He received his bachelor's degree in History from Ohio University and Juris Doctorate from The University of Dayton School of Law. He was admitted to practice law in the State of Ohio and the United States District Court. Doug was President and Attorney at Fannin Law Office in Fairborn, OH when he retired in March 2018 due to illness. He served the community he loved: Fairborn Rotary and sitting on the boards of Greene Medical Foundation, Greene Co. Airport, Fairborn YMCA and Operation Fairborn Cares. He was a member of American, Ohio, Greene Co. and Dayton Bar Associations.
Mark Fluery '96
Mark A. Fluery, 62, passed away on Wednesday, November 18, 2020, at St. Peter's Hospital in Albany.
He was born in Hartford, Conn. and raised in Stafford. He was the son of Patricia A. Fluery and the late Arnold E. Fluery. Mark was a sports fan, playing baseball and basketball during high school and following the Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics and New England Patriots throughout his life. He also spent some time out on the golf course, usually with his wife, Vicky. However, Mark was most passionate about the sport of racing. Every Saturday night from the mid 1970s through the early 1990s, you could find Mark at the speedway with his #52 crew. Mark was the 1977 Lebanon Valley Sportsman Champion and he won the Modified Championship in 1987. One of Mark's proudest racing moments was when he won Mr. DIRT Track USA at Lebanon Valley in 1992. Mark served as the track's pit steward for several years following his career behind the wheel. He was inducted into the Valley's Hall of Fame in 2010. In the mid-1990s, Mark shifted gears and attended law school, graduating from the University of Dayton School of Law in 1996. He opened his own legal practice in East Greenbush where his work focused on traffic, personal injury and criminal defense. Mark's clients have described him as down to earth and willing to go above and beyond and Mark was still working to pursue justice on behalf of his clients during the final weeks of his life. After spending many hot summer days "playing the ponies" at Saratoga, Mark made a run at racehorse ownership and found great joy and excitement with this fast-paced pastime. Mark was always eager to share stories about his horses and visited the stables regularly to spoil them with carrots and sugar cubes.
Obituary from W.J. Lyons Funeral Home
Gary Hinchman '82
Gary A. Hinchman, 64, of West Lafayette, IN, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2020 in Cumberland Pointe Health Campus.
Gary was born in Indianapolis on April 16, 1955 to the late Caroll P. and Dorothy J. (Jared) Hinchman. Gary was a 1973 graduate of Southport High School. He continued his education graduating from Purdue University in 1977 and Law School at the University of Dayton in 1982. He owned and operated Gary Hinchman Attorney and Law in Houston, TX for over thirty years. Gary was a huge sports enthusiast; enjoyed playing golf; and was a fun loving guy who was loyal to all his family and friends.
Obituary from Jones Family Mortuary
William Jamison '75 '78
William H. Jamison, AKA "Bill", of Long Branch, New Jersey passed away on Wednesday, October 14, 2020. He passed peacefully at Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, New Jersey.
Bill was born in 1953 in New York, New York, and grew up in Little Silver, New Jersey. He attended Red Bank Regional High School. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Dayton in 1975 and graduated from the University of Dayton School of Law in 1978. He served as Judicial Law Secretary to the Honorable Louis R. Aikins, Judge of the Superior Court in Freehold, NJ, and then was an associate attorney at Evans, Koelzer, Osborne and Kreizman, in Red Bank, New Jersey. After leaving the Evans firm, he opened his own office for the practice of law in Long Branch. He was admitted to practice law in New Jersey and New York and was a member of the Monmouth County Bar Association. Bill was an avid fan of the University of Dayton Flyers basketball team and the New York Giants. In addition to his love for his family, he loved the Jersey Shore, especially his daily walks along the Long Branch boardwalk.
Obituary from Woolley-Boglioli Funeral Home and Holmdel Funeral Home
Randal Knight '92
Randal "Randy" Stephen Knight, Magistrate at the Montgomery County Juvenile Court and longtime resident of Dayton, Ohio, passed away suddenly on September 17, 2020, at the age of 61 at his home.
Randy is survived by his beloved wife of 33 years, Dr. Eve Wolf, his children, Arien (27) and Sarah (25) Wolf-Knight, as well as his three cats, Oscar, Maya, and Weiner. Born on April 2, 1959, in Waycross, Georgia, and raised among family in Cocoa Beach, Florida, Randy graduated Magna Cum Laude from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Arts in History (1988) and later received a Juris Doctor from the University of Dayton School of Law (1992). Randy spent many years in private practice advocating for the little guy in all areas of commercial and contract law, particularly consumer protection. Randy was a deeply loving husband and father. He lived a full and prosperous life immersed in his many hobbies and interests. While Randy spent most of his time in the courtroom in his robe, he felt just as at home tending to his garden in his Chuck Taylors. An evening spent with Randy meant the warmth of jazz records echoing through the doorway and hours of loving and witty banter: It meant vibrant aquariums full of fish that only he knew the names of, vintage furniture, and quirky video game memorabilia. Randy graced those around him with a unique sharpness and unmatched sense of love. A big boisterous fish who truly stood out in his pond; Randy will be sorely missed, always loved, and never forgotten.
Obituary from Dayton Daily News
Richard Leslie '93
Richard L. Leslie, Jr., 54, of Springfield, passed away in his home on Tuesday morning, September 15, 2020.
He was born in Springfield on May 29, 1966, the son of Richard L. and Norma (Smith) Leslie. Rick was a 1984 graduate of Kenton Ridge High School, earned his B.A. from Wittenberg University and his J.D. from the University of Dayton. He was the manager of administrative practice for the consulting firm of Clemans-Nelson, Dublin, Ohio, and was a frequent lecturer at The Ohio State University. Rick taught at the Clark County Literacy Center, where he was a member of their board of directors. He enjoyed reading, especially books about military history and building model airplanes.
Obituary from Littleton & Rue Funeral Home
Raymond McCullough '81
Raymond Lee McCullough, formerly of Bryn Mawr and Ardmore, PA., passed away on February 25, 2020 at his residence in Penn Valley, PA.
He was 63. Beloved son of the late Leo Francis and Margaret Hart McCullough, Ray was born in Darby, PA on December 24, 1956. Ray was the loving brother of Lee McCullough (Bonnie), Patrick Joseph McCullough (Loretta) and Michael John McCullough (Cynthia). He is also survived by many dear nieces and nephews.
Obituary from McConaghy Funeral Home
Neil J. McKinnon '89
Neil J. McKinnon, of Amherst, a personal injury attorney and champion sailboat racer, was notable for his concern for others.
His daughter Sarah McKinnon said that when she lived in New York City “each time he came to visit he would do the same thing – give to every homeless person. He took the time to ask his friends, colleagues, acquaintances how they were doing, what they were up to in life, how their families were. He truly cared about people.”
He died unexpectedly June 17. He was 58.
Born in New York City, he was the son of James W. McKinnon, an internationally renowned musicologist and chairman of the Music Department at the University at Buffalo.
He was a 1980 graduate of Bishop Timon High School, where he played varsity basketball. He also played on the basketball team at SUNY Cortland State, then went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from the University at Buffalo in 1986. He received his law degree from the University of Dayton Law School in 1989.
First associated with Williams, Stevens, McCarville and Frizell, he joined the Buffalo firm of Lipsitz, Green, Fahringer, Roll, Salisbury and Cambria in 1993. He went to the new firm of Lipsitz and Ponterio in 1996 and was named a partner in 2001. He represented clients across New York State in asbestos, lead paint and product liability cases, as well as construction and automobile accidents.
An avid sailboat racer, he was a crew member aboard his father's racing sailboat, Steelkilt II, which won the North American championship and many times was the Buffalo Harbor Sailing Club's Boat of the Year. He also enjoyed bicycling, basketball, snowboarding, reading and weekend lunches with his wife. He was a Buffalo Bills season ticket holder for more than 25 years.
Obituary from the Buffalo News
Frank Nagatani '82
Frank Nagatani passed from death to life on May 13, 2020. He was born in 1946 and spent his childhood on the northwest side of Chicago. He graduated from the University of Illinois in Chicago in 1968, then served in the US Naval Air Reserve from 1968 to 1971. He helped many people over the course of his career, working first as a case worker for the Illinois Department of Public Aid in Chicago and Waukegan, before attending Law School at the University of Dayton, graduating in 1982.
His legal career took place in Pinellas County, Florida, where he worked as managing attorney for Gulf Coast Legal Services in St. Petersburg, then as child welfare managing attorney for the Florida Department of Children and Families. His final career position was supervising attorney for the Florida Department of Health, from which he retired in 2012.
Obituary from the Chicago Tribune
Charles Robertson '95
Charles S. Robertson, 86, of Madison Township, died on Saturday, August 15, 2020 at Ohio's Hospice of Dayton.
He was born in Montreal, Quebec, Canada on May 21, 1934 to parents, Stuart and Josephine (Fletcher-Cushing) Robertson. Charles graduated from the Royal Roads Military Academy in Victoria, British Columbia and the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario and he served in the Canadian Army. He also graduated from the University of Dayton School of Law. Charles retired from AK Steel as a manager in the purchasing department and following his retirement, he practiced law part-time. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church.
Obituary from Wilson, Schramm, Spaulding Funeral Home
Salvador Salgado '93
Salvador "Sal" Salgado, of Monrovia, California, passed away on May 27, 2020 at the age of 59.
Sal was born December 31, 1960 and grew up in Pasadena, California. He was the sixth of eight children. He graduated from John Muir High School in Pasadena where he was involved in student government, Key Club and other service organizations, and sports including the football team. He put himself through college, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from UCLA, and then went on to study at law at University of Dayton School of Law (JD) and McGeorge School of Law (LLM). Everyone who was acquainted with Sal knew all about his daughter Christina - Sal's favorite topic of conversation and his pride and joy. From the moment Christina was born, there was a special bond between the two of them. Sal worked for the LA County Public Defender's office for 21 years. Sal served as a Board member for the Mexican American Bar Association in 2016 and was active in multiple organizations including the Latino Public Defender's Association. Through his work and other volunteer associations, Sal was always an advocate for those that hadn't gotten a fair shake or needed some extra assistance. He enjoyed working with children and always wanted to help the Latino community at large. An avid Dodgers' fan and general sports enthusiast, Sal loved to collect sports memorabilia. His love of photography and travel led to many cherished memories of trips over the years. Sal is survived by his daughter Christina, his long-time girlfriend Cynthia, and six of his seven siblings (Mary Irene, Helen, Frances, Jesse, Richard, Louis). The large extended family includes his Godchildren, and much adored nieces and nephews. Sal will be remembered for his big smile, heartfelt laugh, and warm heart. As Sal would say "there you go..."
L.A. County Public Defender Union Facebook Tribute
James Todd '78
James L. "Jim" Todd was born in Dayton, Ohio September 18, 1952 to James H. and Muriel Todd. He departed this world on April 18, 2020.
Jim grew up in the Dayton/Englewood, Ohio area graduating from Northmont High School in 1970. He went on to college and graduated from University of Dayton Law school. He spent most of his adult life in the Bradenton, Florida area. He was a great fan of baseball and other sports and was actively involved in the training camp and employees of the Pittsburg Pirates baseball team. He had many friends and acquaintances with the team and others in his community and had a deep love and compassion for his dachshund dogs. In 2017 he developed cancer and fought a long fight before it finally took him, He was moved to Ohio in his last week to be with his family of which they were blessed by his presence.