BOWER
& GARDNER
REUNION
(New:
Reunion Video "What a Night")
EVER
IN OUR HEARTS
Over the years we have learned of the passing of people who worked at Bower & Gardner. We would like to take this opportunity to remember them and invite you to share your memories of the person with us. E-mail your remembrances to Phyllis@personalfinancialcare.com and they will be added to this page.
This is a listing of those people we know are no longer with us. If you have knowledge of any one not on this list, please advise Phyllis
Date of Death 1995 Attorney
Died 1995
Senior Partner
I attended the Memorial Service for John J. Bower LLB in Fort Lauderdale, Florida last October, 2004. I was there because I was indebted to and adored Bower. While I had been a client being at Flushing Hospital and then Brookdale Hospital, John Bower was always there for me when I needed a friend or, confidante. John Bower was a truly brilliant man, wonderful person with depth and caring and, in my experience, absolutely selfless when it came to his friends and those he believed in. I was employed by Bower and Gardner between hospital positions I held, ( at the invitation of John Bower ). I am grateful for my experience at Bower & Gardner, and the advantage it has afforded me since then. May John J. Bower rest in peace. By: Jane S. Wahl
Richard Caplan, Esq. April 20, 2024 Partner
This is very troubling news. Many of you know I worked closely with Dick on the Brooklyn team, and before that, my future wife, Pat, was Dick’s assistant from her day one at B&G until she left. Dick and Mary attended our wedding. Again, really saddened by hearing this. By: Joseph Stavola
Spring of 2004 Secretary
Died Spring of 2004. After B&G also worked at Aaronson, Rappaport, Feinstein & Deutsch as secretary to Nick Marotta. Very caring, thoughtful, creative and artistic. By: Lynda Extract
December 10, 2011 Attorney
CONLON, James Thomas 64, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away on December 10, 2011. Jim was born on May 20, 1947, to Jim and Carolyn Conlon, in New York. In 1965, he graduated from St. Sebastian's School, in Needham, Massachusetts. He excelled in basketball, football and baseball during high school, and was chosen for the Cape Cod Baseball League All Star Team. The yearbook described Jim as "probably the greatest pitcher this school has ever seen". His academic and baseball achievements continued through his undergraduate career at Holy Cross, where he obtained a bachelor's degree in History and earned the Hop Riopel Memorial Award for the most outstanding baseball player. His pitching and batting led the team to many winning seasons, with memorable victories over Yale, Harvard and other teams in the collegiate conference. After graduating from Holy Cross in 1969, Jim was drafted by Minnesota and played in the minor leagues. Following a career-ending shoulder injury, Jim decided to pursue a career in the law. He obtained his JD from Fordham University in 1972. He first practiced as an assistant district attorney in Westchester County, New York, then as a partner at Bower & Gardner. Jim spent 25 years as a litigation partner with Sedgwick, Detert, Moran & Arnold of New York City, handling a wide variety of complex high-stakes trials, largely in the area of products liability. Jim's integrity and outstanding trial skills were widely recognized by his peers, earning him an AV Martindale rating and frequent inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America. He specialized in the subtle but deadly cross examination of many an opposing witness. Jim was predeceased by his parents, and is survived by a daughter, Heather, 22, who was born during his earlier marriage to Barbara Conlon. He is also survived by his wife and great love, Leanne DeShong, and stepchildren Serena, 12; Zach, 11; and Zoe, 9. Jim and Leanne married in 2006 and created a warm and loving home in Kansas City. He established a law practice here, focusing on the representation of individuals who have been injured or those who could not otherwise afford to pay for legal services. A lifelong student of history and culture, Jim travelled the world and read extensively. Jim was the consummate family man, who embraced every aspect of family life, from bedtime stories, to school activities, parent-teacher conferences, sports, music, rambunctious dogs and exotic pets. He coached baseball and football teams with the perfect blend of humor and discipline. His positive attitude was admired by all, especially in the St. Paul's Episcopal Day School community. An avid runner, Jim loved sports throughout his life, and passed that enthusiasm along to many young athletes. Despite his formidable accomplishments, Jim was always a gentle, humble man who was unfailingly kind and generous to everyone. He often observed that it was important to truly see another person, because most likely that person, like you, is trying their best and trying to do the right thing. A visitation will be held at Muehlebach Funeral Home, 6800 Troost, Kansas City, MO, from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 18, 2011. Services will be held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 40 E 40th St, KCMO, at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 19, 2011. Burial will follow at Mount Moriah Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to St. Sebastian's School, 1191 Greendale Ave., Needham, MA 02492; JDRF, 920 Main St., Suite 280, Kansas City, MO 64105; or St. Paul's Episcopal Day School, 4041 Main St., Kansas City, MO 64111. Condolences may also be left for the family at www.muehlebachchapel.com
Associate
I just heard about this website today and am reading through it with a great deal of tears and smiles and wonderful recollections. However, you failed to mention Lynn Cooper, associate who died about 4 years ago. I loved her. She and I worked with Kevin on the HHC team and she and I became very close. She took me out to wonderful restaurants, bought me beautiful gifts, took me to her mother's home where we celebrated Thanksgiving, Rosh Hashanah and Passover. After she left B&G she had a few jobs and was about to go into practice for herself when she passed away. I miss her terribly and would wish that she not be forgotten. By: Pauline Kurtzman
Secretary
I am terribly saddened to hear of the passing of Terry Favret. Terry was assigned to me when she first came to B&G and she was a superstar secretary and friend. By: Alan Bernstein, Attorney
Nurse Consultant
I remember Susan's wonderful sense of humor. By: Pauline Kurtzman
Partner
Stanley was a leader by personality, with a ready and biting wit. It was interesting to have breakfast meetings with him, which were usually at the Regency...power breakfasts, at which politicians would come over to the table to say hello. I remember David Dinkins coming over one morning, bowing and kissing Stanley's hand. A former Governor came over and, joking, asked if their was a job for him at the firm. Together, Stanley and I worked on and developed some very interesting clients, and the partners made a lot of money on one of the most exciting deals for a company we formed that included no less than three Nobel Laureates on the Board of Directors. But that is another story. By: Dan Brecher
Pool Secretary
I remember her M & M's, she was pretty much never without them and she was always in a good mood despite her medical condition -- a trooper. By: Charla Thompson
October 12, 2015 Senior Partner
I learned of the reunion while looking up some of my former attorney associates. I was hired as a very young lawyer, right out of law school in 1962, by Bower, O’Connor & Taylor with offices on the 75th floor of the Empire State Building . My first tasks were to set up the EBT and motion calendars. When I was admitted to the bar in December, I started trying cases. Thankfully, I was mentored by John Gardner (who had worked for Liberty Mutual) in the highs and lows of personal injury trial practice. We became good friends, lunching almost daily, and taking medical lectures at Schraftt’s restaurant after work. I left the firm in 1965.
John shared his love for trial work as well as some very funny stories, most of which I won’t repeat. I am sorry to learn of his passing; I hope his wife is alive and well.
I had my own firm in Long Island for many years; I live in Boca Raton, Florida, where I have been practicing law since 2005.By: Stanley Weissman
Secretary
Louise and I would meet in the City with Miriam Eichner. The last time I spoke to Louise, two years ago she had turned 90. Louise always had cookies on her desk, particularly Stella D'Oro. It was my pleasure to send to her every Christimas, a batch of my home made cookies. I learned of her passing when she did not write to tell me she ate everyone of the cookies. By: Rosalie Corridina-Tocman
Attorney
I had the pleasure of working with Michael. He was a handsome, sensitive, hardworking and incredibly bright young man. The day we started our attorney-secretary relationship, he said to me that he “hit the jackpot.” Somehow that relationship turned into much more. Since Michael's parents lived out of town, I became a “mother hen.” I took him “under my wing” and he in kind responded by showering me with respect, kindness, warmth and gratitude. Thus, I, too, hit a jackpot: I gained a close friend with Michael.
A few weeks before Michael passed away, he gave me a gift. It wasn't monetary or materialistic: it was something much more dear. Somehow he gathered his strength and with effort and determination came to my son's Bar Mitzvah. He laughed and danced. That was one of his last feats, and he did it for me.
Michael's loss touched me deeply and I will always cherish the very special relationship we had. By: Judith Levi
Jesse Graham Attorney I met Francine in the secretarial pool at Bower & Gardner in 1985. She was such a sweet pretty girl, with beautiful blonde hair. She was so thin, everything she wore looked adorable on her. We became friends right away. When I found out she passed away, I couldn't understand it. I was in total shock. I will never forget her. My memories of her smiling and laughing with me at work will always be with me. I feel tremendous sadness to know that a person that young had to go. She will always be in my heart. By: Jackie Schettini-O'Brien
Francine was my best friend when I worked at Bower & Gardner. We started at the firm together and became instant friends. I witnessed Fran suffer the loss of her first husband to illness, only to happily remarry but then become very ill herself. She was the sweetest, kindest, prettiest girl I knew for a long time. She has two beautiful children from her second marriage to Mike Rizzo (a great guy who loved Francine dearly - they met at Bower & Gardner!) I still miss her very much and carry her with me in my heart always. By: Kim J. Lomax
Secretary
Dottie Grogan died about two years ago - a loss of a true professional. By: Nancy Ledy Gurren
Pool Secretary
Howell past away several years ago. Jim was a cut above the rest. A genuinely kind caring person. By: Rosalie Corridina-Tocman
One of my fondest memories is that of Jim Howell, who was a marvelous teacher and very dear friend, a very knowledgeable man and loving husband. When he retired and moved to upstate NY, I visited him several times both before the death of his first wife, Ellen, and after when he remarried until his death. I think of him quite often. May he rest in peace. By: Diane Gmitter
Secretary
Antra Jenkins, secretary and friend, passed away in October 2000. Kind, sweet, caring and funny, she taught me everything I know regarding med mal. After Bower & Gardner, she went on to work for Bartlett, McDonough, Baston & Monaghan in Queens. By: Aretha Pierre
I feel compelled to make special mention of Anitra Jenkins, with whom my husband and I had become very friendly. Anitra worked part-time for my husband when he started his own law practice in 1990, and she was far and away the best secretary he ever had. By: Janis Bromfeld
Partner
Following a valiant struggle, Lenore succumbed to a brain tumor on June 2, 1997. She came to B&G in 1976 and became a partner in 1980. She was a mentor to many; a friend to all. Lenore always made the time to teach new associates - her "baby lawyers", as she loved to call them. She was never too busy to discuss an issue, craft a strategy, polish an argument, or teach you how to read a medical record - something you never learned in law school. Her abundant warmth, keen intellect, and sharp wit left us much too soon. We miss her every day. By: Daniel Siff & Jackie Stein
I remember her intelligence. I remember her generosity. I remember her compassion. I remember her shining far above the rest. I remember her friendship. And most of all, I remember her bravery. I spent an evening with her days before she died. As always, she never complained and her concern was for everyone else. She once loaned me a book called “The Woman Warrior” and truly, she was. By: Phyllis Pawlovsky
Administrator
When I read Martha Llano's name in my local paper, The Journal News, on Monday, January 30th I was shocked and could not believe it was Martha. That is when I e-mailed Phyllis, Helen and Maria, all in the hope that one of you would say, that is not "our" Martha. Once again, thank you for having the Bower &Gardner reunion and giving many of us a chance to see Martha again. I know that you previously stated to me that Martha was instrumental in helping you go forward with the Reunion. I never knew Martha to say an unkind word about anyone. She was as pretty as she was sweet, and it was so good to see her at the reunion. Her sudden death reminds each and every one of us to cherish each and every day and to appreciate those who come into our lives.
Date of Death: January 28, 2006.
By Rosalie Tocman
No Escape: There it was, summer of 1985, Susan and I rented a car and drove to Cape Cod with then18 months old Michele (soon to be a Cornell alum). After checking into a motel we drove down the lower cape road looking for a close place to eat. We walked in, was shown a table, and looked across the room at Martha Llano and Carolyn Robinson.
By Fred Hirsch
Secretary
Peggy Maddox, my friend, and a lovely person, who had her desk next to me in the original B&G (small) office. After I left for Europe she and I corresponded for years, and I was sad to learn she had cancer of the lymph nodes. I still think of her. By: Ursula (secretary to Richard Derry)
Partner
I worked for Tim McGinn for a couple of years at B&G. Tim was a great boss, a good friend and great for swapping gossip which was plentiful at B&G. I last saw Tim McGinn at the end of Summer, 2004 – His face was slightly sunburned, he wore a light blue jacket highlighting his white hair and big blue eyes – he looked so handsome and the picture of health – Tim was overjoyed that his son, Tim, Jr. was attending Harvard University – He said, “A Bronx boy with a son in Harvard, ain't bad!!!!” I congratulated him and off we went never realizing that would be the last time I would ever see Tim McGinn. He was only 54. By: Diane Williams
Secretary
Died Memorial Day weekend in 1984 through very unfortunate circumstances
Shelvy Moses May 29, 2024 Prep Department
Bill worked in the B&G Prep Department from 1973-1990. If you stopped by the Prep Department, Bill would always greet you with a big hello and an even bigger smile. In 1991, Bill retired to Florida and enjoyed many years there. A sad note was the death of his son, Danny - N.Y.F.D. on September 11, 2001. Bill is missed by many friends. By: Mike Rose
Nurse Consultant
I had occasion to know Ingrid quite well. She was with us on the City team at B&G and then came along to our next place of employment, Parker Chapin. She was a brilliant girl and had a long history of success. At first she was a nurse, then a paralegal (nurse consultant) and finally an attorney. She was capable at everything she did and was a very good person as well. She adored her daughter and her husband and was a good friend to me and to Kevin Porter. I think of her all the time and miss her. By: Pauline Kurtzman
Attorney
Died August 1, 2011
Thank you for letting me know about Bill's passing and giving me the opportunity to attend his memorial Mass at St. Helena's on Saturday.
It saddened me to revisit the website and see all those who have gone before us. It seems so unreal as so many were cut down in the prime of their lives.
Bill will always have a special place in my heart. He was a gentle giant. When I met Bill I was a young girl in my early twenties and I remember one particular incident when I was wearing a turtleneck top without sleeves. He asked why are you wearing "beachwear" to the office - it is inappropriate. I laughed because he was so modest and seeing a little bit of my shoulder was a little too much for him.
Every Thanksgiving, Bill would order holiday pies, Apple, Pumpkin, Coconut Custard - from the NY Athletic Club. One year, Bill was ill. I knew how important those pies were to him so I volunteered to take them to his home. When his Mom came to the door, she told him "Bill, there is "a young lady is here to see you." He walked out in this beautiful silk robe (he looked at he was playing a role in a 50's movie) and said "dear, dear, stay away I am sick and I don't want you to get ill." I told him not to worry as I was only dropping off his pies and would not be staying.
Bill was always willing to lend a hand when he could and he helped me numerous times. It was a pleasure to have known him. By: Rosalie Corradina Tocman
Bill Quirk was a mentor to associates at B&G, myself included. Attached is a drawing of the protypical bomb with lit fuse that Bill used to illustrate his status reports to insurance carriers. Wisely, Bill never underestimated the potential jury exposure of the firm’s personal injury cases and his unorthodox illustrations on the borders of his reports were “attention grabbers” for overworked claims examiners. He warned us “young lawyers” never to write “hero reports”, which were reports to the insurers that over-emphasized the defensible aspects of the case. Jimmy Conlon was perhaps the biggest fan of Bill’s idiosyncratic courtroom style. According to Jim, Bill would go to any lengths to avoid having to pick a jury, particularly on a case that someone else was assigned to try. Once, Judge Fusco in the Bronx ordered Bill to go down stairs and pick a jury in a “John Bower case” that had been adjourned repeatedly. Bill begged Fusco for “one more day” but Fusco refused. Quirk called Bower, who called him a “F… Idiot” and threatened that Bill should not come back to the office if he couldn’t get a one day postponement. Quirk returned to Fusco’s office behind the courtroom and told Fusco in a high falsetto that “Bower is going to fire me, if I don’t get an extra day”. He told Fusco he didn’t feel well. Fusco told Quirk to go down stairs and pick. He warned Quirk that if he left the courthouse, he would hold Quirk in contempt. The plaintiff’s lawyer returned an hour later to tell Fusco that Quirk had disappeared. Bob, the judge’s deputy, thought that Quirk had left the courthouse, but Fusco waved a knowing finger, no, no,no, Quirk would not be stupid enough to leave the courthouse. He ordered Bob to search the entire courthouse. Bob returned an hour later, but without Quirk. Fusco asked Bob if he had check every men’s room. Bob had. Fusco asked Bob if he had opened every stall door in every men’s room. Bob had not. He had only looked under every stall door. Fusco waved a knowing finger at Bob, no, no, no, . go back and this time open every stall door in every men’s room. A half hour or so later Bob returned holding Quirk by the jacket collar. Where was he, the judge demanded? Bob reported that when he opened a stall door in one of the bathrooms, he found Bill (all 6’6” of him) huddled on a toilet seat—his feet drawn up under his chest to avoid being seen from under the door. It was now 2:30 p.m. Quirk looked like he had thrown up, he was sweating and again told the judge that he didn’t’ feel well. Everyone waited to see what Fusco would do. Silence. Finally, Fusco smiled. He recognized that he was in the presence of a master jury room evader. Fusco gave Quirk the adjournment and told him that Mr. Bower should report to the courthouse in the morning. We will miss him. By: William A. Ruskin - WRuskin@ebglaw.com
Partner
Died 12/2000.
Lillian Richman holds a special place in the hearts and minds of those of us she mentored during her years at B&G, particularly young women starting out in a career in which we had few role models. I would not be the lawyer, or the person, I am now but for her guidance, her tutoring, her encouragement, her not so gentle pushing of me along the pathways of my career, and most of all the gift of her friendship (any faults of mine are probably because I don't follow her advice closely enough!). I know I was not alone as a recipient of her support and warmth. She had a profound impact on many of us. Any collection of memories of those who epitomized the best of B&G would be incomplete without a recognition of Lillian and all she contributed. By: Laurie A. Kamaiko
She taught me so much…her writing skills and her ability to use Webster to the fullest…Love you Lillian… By: Joan Prince
Secretary
I still have a plant that Glenna Ririe gave to me when she was ill and asked me to keep it alive for her while she was undergoing chemo. Every time I water her plant I think of her and her beautiful soul. She was a kind young woman and I am glad I had the opportunity to know her (ditto for so many other people at B&G)! By: Margaret Flannery
Office Manager
Died 1980
Attorney
This was posted by Stacie Sanger Peckett, Warren Sanger's daughter:
My father, Warren J. Sanger. He was also an attorney at B&G, until he and several others began their own firm Bower, Sanger, Lawrence.
My father passed away unexpectedly in Florida on March 18th, 2012, just four days after leaving my home in Georgia. He left behind not only a former wife of 28 years, his son, myself, and nine grandchildren, but also a beautiful four year daughter.
I just happened to google B&G when I came across your page and I admire the way you have chosen to remember those that passed on. My father had shared many fond stories over the years about many of those you mentioned; Bill Quirk, Andy Sears John Bower, to name a few. Thank you for taking the time to remember these very charismatic and special bunch.
Partner
A man with a gentle soul. A man who was devoted to his wife, son and daughter. A man who found and appreciated beauty in the world.
I had the privilege of closely working with Andy for many years. His genius was apparent; yet he was unassuming. He expected perfection; nothing more than what he gave. His proficiency and dedication were over the top; routinely working 15-hour days. That was the Lawyer Andy.
The Person Andy was unique. He unselfishly gave of himself to those in need. He volunteered as a weekly reader for the NY Studio of Recording for the Blind and helped to fight injustice and bigotry by supporting the Southern Poverty Law Center in Alabama. He never forgot the opportunity he was given to attend Princeton and one of the ways he reciprocated was by becoming an alumni interviewer. He had an aura of greatness and I believe his capabilities for the good of mankind were limitless. He held close to his heart his family and both boyhood friends and those of more recent years, and I can proudly say, that I was part of the latter.
Andrew was passionate about life and soaked in the finer qualities of what it had to offer. If you know some of the things Andy loved – not just knowledge and justice, but poetry and flowers – then you can only begin to understand and appreciate this complex, compassionate person.
I can picture him now, walking out of his office door, red scarf wrapped around his neck, a book of poetry in hand and a heart of gold………. By: Judith Levi
I believe that most everyone who ever met Andy has a story or recollection that would be both funny and touching. Mine is this - I was the first night staff worker at the firm and sat near Andy's office. One night every week, he would pass by my desk to let me know that he was leaving but would be back in about an hour or so. Of course, I wondered where he went same time every week and eventually got up the nerve to ask him. When he told me that he went to read for the blind, I was relieved (since my mind had been making up delicious stories about his whereabouts). I have never forgotten the lesson I learned from him. No matter how busy you are, live your life from your heart, make the time to give from your heart, and make a difference in the world. I work with seniors and people with disabilities and make the time to care. I remember Andy every day. By: Phyllis Pawlovsky
Died 2000
Associate in Commercial Litigation
Died August 4, 2006
Your website, which I discovered while surfing the internet, asks that people report the deaths of former Bower & Gardner employees who do not appear on your listing. Unfortunately, I am writing to add my husband's name to your list. My husband, Jonathan Siegal, was an associate in Commercial Litigation at Bower & Gardner for four years, from 1988 to 1992. He died on August 4, 2006, at the age of 44, leaving three sons. If anyone would want to write to me or share memories of my husband, my e-mail addresses are siegal@sewkis.com and siegals@verizon.net. By: Yonina Siegal
Pool Secretary
Died 1998
Prep and Calendar Man
I have not thought of Mike for years, but your note recalled him to me instantly. He was a gentle man with a good heart and ironic sense of humor that served him well in the midst of daily law firm tumult. By: William Ruskin
EBT Clerk
Died 1996. After B&G he came to work at Aaronson, Rappaport, Feinstein & Deutsch. I remember him as someone who always made me laugh, warm, loving, who loved to travel and close to his family. By: Lynda Extract
Nurse Consultant
Hillary was a wonderful fun and caring person. She was a great friend someone that was always there for you to share the best of times and console you in the bad ones. She was a brilliant, and challenging woman, someone you really looked up to, a mentor. She was like a walking medical dictionary and her rolodex was just as big! I was fortunate to have spent quality time with Hillary while she was living in Florida, we shared wonderful times together. I was glad to have spent her last days with her she was so thankful. She holds a special place in my heart for the special and great lady and true friend that she was! I can still hear her laughter and see her running through the corridors at B&G with her coffee mug in her hand ramping and raging. Hillary was the B&G nurse always taking care of all of us. I'll never forget her. It was a privilege to know her. By: Maria Santiago
