I had the privilege of working for one of the kindest, smartest, most patient and loyal people I may ever know.

He was my first boss after law school.

When I stepped into his chambers on September 1, 1993, I had no idea how much he would influence my perspective on family, marriage, faith, kindness, fairness, justice, writing, work, reason, humor, golf and fun. Not to mention how ridiculous cases, lawyers and litigation could be.

Family was everything to him. But he was just as loyal to friends, colleagues, clerks, staff and community.

Most of his clerks were editors of their law review or Ivy league grads (or both). I wasn’t either of those. I’m certain he gave me a chance because he and my dad were friends at Duquesne. Luckily, he was a patient teacher and I learned pretty quickly.

Plus we truly appreciated each other’s company and sense of humor. I always got to try out his golf swing/putting aides in the day-off courtroom first. Here’s one that I mastered within a couple of swings and he thought I should go on tour. Don’t laugh, the guy at one time was a one digit handicap at Oakmont, where he was a member.

He was one of my biggest supporters when I quit practicing law to take care of my kids. He told me later that he considered me one of his most successful clerks because of it. High praise considering some of his clerks went on to become some of the most prestigious lawyers in the city including a judge, a university president, Assistant US Attorneys and some of the best and brightest practitioners within and beyond our region.

I’m eternally grateful that he gave me a chance and allowed me to be part of an exclusive fraternity of clerks.

Eternal rest grant unto him o’ Lord and may perpetual light shine upon him

May his soul and the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace, Amen