Dayton Docket
Law School In Memoriam 2022
As we reflect on this year, we want to remember those we lost from the law school family in 2022. 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.
Jane Cooper-Hill '80
Jane Cooper-Hill, 77, passed away on May 16, 2022, in McAllen, Texas.
Jane was a loving mother, enthusiastic grandmother, friend to many. Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, she graduated from Upper Arlington High School in 1962 and attended Ohio State University. She later graduated from the University of Dayton School of Law where she met Jim. They moved to Texas where Jane began her career. She had a very successful career in private practice, then as a United States Magistrate Judge for the Southern District of Texas. Jane's many interests and hobbies made her the interesting person she was. She traveled extensively, enjoyed art, birding, genealogical research, and was a voracious reader. Jane's quick wit, sense of humor, and kind manner embodied the spirit she had in life, which we will cherish forever.
Obituary from Columbus Dispatch
Michael Daugherty '94
Judge Michael Thomas Daugherty Sr., 53, of Wilmington, passed away Thursday, September 8, 2022 at his home.
Mr. Daugherty was born August 26, 1969 in Wilmington, a son of Joe and Sandra Cox Daugherty of Wilmington. He was a graduate of Clinton-Massie High School and Wilmington College. He earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Dayton School of Law in 1994.
Mr. Daugherty started practicing law at Greene County Legal Aid in 1994 before joining Rose & Dobyns in Wilmington. He then practiced law with Shaun Peterson before opening his own practice, Mike Daugherty Attorney at Law LLC, in 2012.
He eventually became the Clinton County Municipal Court Judge, a position he has held since he was originally appointed in 2015. Over his career, he also served as the village solicitor for New Vienna and Clarksville.
Judge Daugherty was well known for his community involvement. Over the years, he was involved in Community Action, Little Hearts – Big Smiles, Boy Scouts, the Emmaus Community, New Life Clinic, Special Olympics, Leadership Clinton, and the Clinton-Massie Band Boosters.
Mike had also been a Sunday School teacher and Awana leader. He was known as "The Voice" of the Clinton-Massie Marching Band and was an avid wrestling fan. His true passion, however, was being the community Santa Claus and it was his desire that he was known for being Santa rather than being judge.
John Doheny '85
John Vincent Doheny Sr. passed away on April 17, 2022. John was born on October 13, 1958 to the late Donald and Catherine Doheny in St. Louis, MO.
He attended De Smet Jesuit High School, University of Notre Dame and University of Dayton Law School. John was a distinguished Tax Attorney working for over 30 years in private practice.
Retired Lieutenant Colonel, John proudly served in the US Army Reserves for 23 years. He volunteered many hours to The St. Louis Fisher House, MOAA and St. Mary Magdalen Pack 361.
He was a man of deep faith, strong work ethic, and a smile that would light up any room. We will miss his corny Irish jokes, random acts of kindness, and huge giving heart.
Victor Hodge '81
Victor Anthony Hodge, age 75, formerly of Vandalia, OH, passed away 10/30/2022 from a brief battle with cancer.
Victor was born in Louisville, KY. His family moved to Fern Creek, KY in 1959. He received a scholarship to St. Xavier High School (’65) and a scholarship to attend Bellarmine University where he obtained a BA in Forensic Chemistry (’69). He was drafted into the Army in 1969 and completed his service in 1971. Victor continued his studies & graduated from the University of Dayton with a Juris Doctorate Law Degree (Cum Laude ‘81).
Victor was married for 55 years and practiced law for 38 years before retiring.
Obituary from Baldwin Cremation
John Hurley '93
John Thomas "Tom" Hurley, 54, of Muncie, passed away Monday, Oct. 17, 2022, at I.U. Health/Ball Memorial Hospital.
He was born on June 13, 1968, in Indianapolis, to J. Richard and Peggy (McKaig) Hurley.
Tom was a 1986 graduate of Yorktown High School and a 1990 graduate of Indiana University where he was a proud member of Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) Fraternity. He went on to receive his law degree from the University of Dayton School of Law and subsequently was a practicing attorney for 25 years in east central Indiana.
He was a lifelong Cincinnati Reds fan, founding member of Aspen Beer Club, avid golfer, and lawn mower extraordinaire.
Tom was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, friend, and public servant. That which he chose to do, he did well, and did with pride.
Obituary from The Herald Bulletin
Stephen Marcum '83
Stephen Sloneker Marcum was born October 28, 1957, in Hamilton, Ohio, to the late
Sarah and Joe Marcum. Stephen, 64, died at home on Monday, April 11, 2022, surrounded by his loving family.
Stephen had a lifelong love of music, art, and doodling. He created wonderful works of art that are treasured family heirlooms and delighted all with his various piano pieces. He was even in a band called, "OC and the Casual T's." They played on the Courthouse lawn, Stephen on the stand-up bass, Joe Marcum on the piano and Madalyn Lester on the drums. Great fun.
Stephen was a devoted husband, father, businessman and community volunteer. He graduated from Vanderbilt University in 1980, where he fell in love with Trudy McGraw, and they were happily married in January of 1981. They moved to Dayton where Stephen attended the University of Dayton School of Law. He graduated in 1983 and moved with his family to Hamilton. Stephen was an excellent attorney with Parrish, Marcum, and Trokhan in Hamilton, Ohio.
Obituary from Legacy.com (Dayton Daily News)
John Piazza '89
John S. Piazza III, 63, of Williamsport died peacefully at his home on July 12, 2022.
He was born September 3, 1958 in Montclair, New Jersey, son of the late John Piazza II and Bernadine (Salva) Piazza.
John graduated from Lycoming College in 1979, and acquired his MBA in 1984 and Juris Doctor in 1989 from the University of Dayton. He then practiced law in Williamsport. John was an airplane pilot, car and motorcycle enthusiast, member of Lycoming County Sportsman club, amateur historian, and had a great love for his cats.
Obituary from NorthcentralPA.com
Andrea Props '97
Andrea Props, 50, of Indianapolis, passed away October 9, 2022. She was born March 17, 1972 in Dallas, Texas to James Props and Mary Highers. Andrea was a graduate of Brebeuf Jesuit High School and received her bachelor’s degree from Butler University. She earned her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Dayton.
Andrea began her career in law with the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office. She then worked for the Fishers Police Department and finally as a prosecutor for Hamilton County.
Andrea married Patrick B. McCloskey, June 14, 2008. She was a true dog lover. Andrea worked with several rescue programs, such as the Alliance For Responsible Pet Ownership and Greyhounds Pets of America, to find homes for dozens of dogs.
Obituary from Shirley Brothers
Robert Rettich '78
Judge Robert W. Rettich, III, passed away, Monday February 14, 2022. He was born April 20, 1953, to the late Patricia A. "Patsy" (Johnson) and Robert W. Rettich, II. Judge Rettich graduated from Valley View High School in 1971, and obtained his B.A. in Political Science from Miami University Oxford in 1975. He obtained his Juris Doctorate from University of Dayton, School of Law, and was admitted to practice in 1978.
Prior to his election as Miamisburg Municipal Court Judge, Robert Rettich managed a successful private law practice for over 38 years, during which time he accumulated a vast amount of trial experience. During his career, Judge Rettich served as city, village, acting and special prosecutor for multiple area courts, served as an arbitrator for Montgomery County Common Pleas Court, and served as the Law Director for the Village of Farmersville for more than 30 years.
Judge Rettich received the endorsement of the Montgomery County Republican Party in 2011, was elected, and began his term on January, 1 2012. A ceremony was held for the Judge's swearing in ceremony at the Miamisburg Civic Center, on December 30, 2011. Attending the ceremony was an overflow of guests who wanted to share the occasion with the new Judge and his family.
Judge Rettich was a member of the Association of Municipal/County Judges of Ohio (AMCJO), and served on its Ohio Judicial Conference Court Technology Representative. He was also a member of the Montgomery County Criminal Justice Council serving as the Municipal Judge Representative, the Ohio State Bar Association, the Dayton Bar Association, the Mid-Miami Valley Bar Association, the Ohio Bar College, Florida Bar Association, American Trial Law Association, Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Sons of the American Revolution, Past Master of Germantown Masonic Lodge #257 F. & A.M. Twin Valley Chapter, Scottish Rite Valley of Dayton, Chi Phi Fraternity, and the Drug Free Coalition, Germantown Eagles #2292; and was recently inducted into the Valley View Hall of Fame.
Judge Rettich was a life member of Emmanuel's Lutheran Church, and served on church council. He was an Eagle Scout and served as the Charter Representative for Boy Scout Troop #29. He also regularly attended neighborhood watch meetings, speaking at area D.A.R.E. graduations, and was involved in multiple charitable programs. To relax Judge Rettich enjoyed reading, sailing, swimming, and spending time with his kids and grandkids. He always thought of others and often sent handmade personalized cards.
Throughout his career, Judge Rettich always encouraged substance abuse treatment, and other behavioral educational programs, as opposed to incarceration, when appropriate. He was a strong advocate of intervention, and was always eager to help people become more knowledgeable about the law and live within the confines of it.
Obituary from Dalton Funeral Home
Susan Spangler '87
Susan Spangler, 68, passed away on November 23, 2022.
Susan was born on May 10, 1954 in Indianapolis, IN. Susan graduated from Broad Ripple High School (Class of 1972) and went on to earn an undergraduate degree from Purdue University, a master's degree from Ball State University and a law degree from University of Dayton. She started her career as a Lawyer but found her calling in Human Resources and was the proud owner of Beacon Human Resources, LLC.
Susan loved being with family and enjoyed spending her time gardening, cooking and reading.
Obituary from Indiana Funeral Care
Charles Thomas '92
Charles M. Thomas, 55, of Auburn, passed away on Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at Rome Health.
Born in Vicenza, Italy, on the United States Army Base, Camp Ederle, he was a son of Donald Thomas and Judith (Williams) Sweet.
He graduated with a Bachelor's of Arts Degree from Syracuse University and earned a Juris Doctor Degree from Dayton University. On September 18, 2004, he was united in marriage to Jodi (Brown) Thomas. Charles was a member of the NYS Bar Association and practiced law for Jefferson County, the DA's office of Cayuga County and eventually went in to private practice in his hometown of Auburn. Charles was a huge sports fan and loved the SU Orange, Buffalo Bills and NY Yankees. He also enjoyed golfing, attending concerts, going up to camp on Sandy Pond and vacationing in Florida.
A.J. Wagner '77
A. J. Wagner (born December 12, 1951) died August 25, 2022 after a brief illness and complications from leukemia (AML). He left this life surrounded by the love and support he shared with the world.
A.J. was born in Pittsburgh, PA to Sam and Frances Wagner, the oldest boy of 18 children. He moved to Dayton, Ohio for law school and stayed for four decades, working, living, and loving his community. He lived his life and faith as a public servant working as an elementary school teacher, probate attorney, county auditor, author, judge and state school board member. As lay Marianists A.J. and Joan opened their hearts and home to hundreds of UD students at the big yellow house - teaching us all about radical hospitality.
He (with Joan) moved to State College five years ago, to assume a more full-time role as “Papa”. With the move he found a new community and new projects. A.J.’s passion for making the world a better place led him to found the Butterfly PAC, a political action committee dedicated to supporting candidates who work to address child poverty and hunger. AJ's big, loving heart extended to his friends and family who will miss his warmth, his hugs, his laugh, his jokes, his songs for any occasion, his stories, advice, and poetry.
Michelle Wenker '93
Michelle Mary Wenker, age 60 passed away on Friday May 6 at Manderley Health Care. She was born on May 21, 1961 in Toledo, Ohio the daughter of Herman and Nancy (Bowen) Wenker.
Her family moved to Cincinnati at the age of 4 and she attended school there. After graduation she studied nursing at Vanderbilt University. She worked for a few years at Nashville General Hospital, but decided to return to school. She enrolled in the University of Dayton and received her law degree. She would return to Cincinnati and practice law.
Obituary from Neal's Funeral Home
Professor Emeritus
Allen Sultan
Allen Sultan age 92 of Santa Fe, NM passed away on Friday, November 28, 2022. Allen was born on Sunday, February 2, 1930, in Brooklyn, New York to Jack Sultan and Bessie Leinwand.
He joined the United States Army on October 2, 1952 during the Korean war, and attained the rank of Corporal. He was honorably discharged on August 17, 1954.
He attended Columbia University School of Law for his J.D., New York University for his L.L.M. as a Ford Fellow, and University of Chicago for his Master's in International Relations.
He taught American constitutional, criminal law, and international law at Oklahoma University School of Law, Emory University School of Law, Indiana University School of Law, University of Detroit School of Law, and University of Dayton School of Law.
He was awarded Fulbright teaching scholarships at Clermont-Ferrand Universite´ École de Droit - Université Clermont Auvergne, in Auvergne, France and also at Hiroshima Daigaku School of Law in Hiroshima, Japan.
Adjunct Professor
Jeffrey Dillman
Jeffrey Duane Dillman, age 58, died in his sleep in Durham, North Carolina, on January 22, 2022. He was born on October 22, 1963, in Columbus, Ohio, to Arline Ann Speelman and the late Duane Harmon Dillman.
Jeff was known for his wit, kindness, and commitment to social justice. He was a devoted baba to Jamal and Naseem and life partner and comrade to Frances.
Jeff graduated from Carthay Center Elementary School, John Burroughs Junior H.S., and Fairfax H.S. (1981) in Los Angeles. He earned a B.A. from UCLA (1986, summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa) and a Juris Doctor from Berkeley Law (1989). He was most recently the Managing Attorney and Co-Director of the Fair Housing Project of Legal Aid of North Carolina (2012-2022).
Jeff began his career in Washington, D.C., as an Associate Legal Counselor for the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees in the U.S. Branch Office and was Acting Legal Counselor during supervisor missions (1989-1991). He worked as a Visiting Researcher for the Palestine Human Rights Information Center in Jerusalem, Palestine (1991-1992), where among other things he authored (with Musa A. Bakri) the report, Israel's Use of Electric Shock Torture in the Interrogation of Palestinian Detainees (1992). In Michigan, Jeff was Supervising Attorney of the Asylum and Refugee Law Project & Haitian Refugee Law Project at the University of Michigan Law School (1992-1998) and Adjunct Lecturer in Law at the Law School (1996-1997). As an attorney-at-law, he worked with Deb LaBelle representing women prisoners in civil rights cases, as well as indigents in criminal appeals as a roster attorney on the Michigan Appellate Assigned Counsel System (1992-1998). He co-authored the respondents' brief before the U.S. Supreme Court in Martin v. Hadix (1999). In Ohio, Jeff was Visiting Assistant Professor in the Law Clinic at the University of Dayton School of Law, representing indigent clients in housing, family law, and juvenile misdemeanor cases (1999-2000). He was Staff Attorney for The Housing Advocates, Inc., in Cleveland (2000-2002), work that included writing an amicus brief on behalf of eight organizations to the Ohio Supreme Court in Smith v. Friendship Village of Dublin (2001). As Visiting Assistant Professor of Law and then Associate Professor of Law at the Milton A. Kramer Law Clinic Center at Case Western Reserve University School of Law (2002-2005), he worked on consumer law cases in predatory lending and home repair fraud. Between 2005 and 2011, Jeff was Executive Director of the Housing Research & Advocacy Center in Cleveland.
Jeff was licensed to practice law in the State of North Carolina (2012-2022) and the State of Ohio (2000-2013), a member of the State Bar of California (1990-2022), and a former member of the State Bar of Michigan (1993-2009).