Obituaries | 1970-1979

RICHARD B. SCHENK II, M.D., a pathologist, died Jan. 4, 2017, at age 67. He received his degree magna cum laude and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. After receiving his medical degree from Stanford University School of Medicine, he trained there and at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. He worked at the Carle Foundation Hospital in Champaign, Ill., and at S.S.M. Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mount Vernon, Ill. Among those who survive are his wife, Gina Smith Schenk; two children; one stepson; two grandchildren; his mother; his brother, Christopher R. Schenk ’75; and several nieces and nephews.

GARRETT J. DELEHANTY JR., an attorney who specialized in commercial real estate law, died Nov. 13, 2016. He was 64. A graduate of Columbia University Law School, at the time of his death he had just celebrated his fortieth anniversary practicing commercial real estate law. He began his career in private practice in California, served as counsel for a hotel chain headquartered in Georgia, and held several further positions, both in law firms and in-house, before joining Kroll, McNamara, Evan & Delehanty LLP, in West Harford, Conn., where he had been a partner since 1999. He was also an avid golfer, traveler, and reader. Among those who survive are his wife, Sharon Lowman, his daughter, a grandson, and numerous cousins.

OSCAR L. LOOK JR., a lobster fisherman, died July 10, 2014, at age 63. Known for his skill and passion for fishing, he was a mentor, friend, and storyteller to many. He had an extensive literary knowledge and also wrote prose and poetry. As well, he was an active community volunteer. Survivors include his mother, Virginia Mitchell Abbott Look [who died in 2015], four brothers and sisters, a large extended family of nieces and nephews, and a close friend, Elyse Beth Rudner.

GREGORY L. MAIRE, an architect and interior designer, died Oct. 4, 2015. He was 67. A member of Alpha Delta Phi, he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and received a master’s degree in architecture from Harvard University. He had a long career as an architect and designer until he closed his first studio, Gregory Maire Architect Ltd., in 2005. His homes and designs can be seen on Chicago’s Gold Coast and throughout the North Shore suburbs. His firm was the consulting architects for renovations at The Baha’i Temple in Wilmette, and his international work reached as far as Saudi Arabia. Equally well known for his historically accurate detail or innovative design, his work has been published in a number of architecture and design magazines, as well as The New York Times and The Chicago Tribune. He was a board member and past president of DIFFA, the Design Industry Foundation for AIDS for many years, and he worked pro bono for the Ragdale Foundation in Lake Forest helping to design a handicapped-accessible artist studio for their residency program. In recent years, he began to paint prolifically and had several shows. He was also instrumental in helping to create “Michael’s Museum: A Curious Collection of Tiny Treasures,” which went on to become a permanent exhibit at the Chicago Children’s Museum on Navy Pier. He is survived by his partner of more than 40 years, Michael Horvich, and a brother.

SETH GELBLUM, 62, an attorney for the Broadway theater and the first attorney to receive the Tony Honor award, died Aug. 8, 2016. He was the son of Morris R. Gelblum of the class of 1943. After graduation he lived in New York and worked for several film producers before returning to school and receiving a law degree from the Georgetown University Law Center in 1982. Starting at the boutique firm of Frankfurt Garbus Klein & Selz, and ending at Loeb & Loeb LLP, he became one of the leading attorneys for the Broadway theater, representing the top ranks of actors, directors, designers, producers and investors. In 2013 he became the first attorney to be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from New Dramatists, a leading developer of new playwrights, where he served as Board Chair for 20 years. In 2016 he became the first attorney to received a Tony Honor, given by the American Theater Wing to people working in areas not eligible for Tony Awards. In addition, he served for more than 25 years on the Board of Directors of Lawyers for Children, which provides free services to children in foster care. He was also one on the founders and Board members of the Canavan Foundation, which supported research that identified the gene that caused the disease that ended the life of his daughter, Morgan, making it possible to develop an accurate carrier test. Survivors include his wife, Orren J. Alperstein; two surviving children; two brothers, including Robert R. Gelblum ’72 and Peter B. Gelblum ’73; one sister; and a large extended family, including a niece, Olivia Alperstein ’14.

DAVID A. KLATELL, a broadcast journalist, and a leader and professor at the Columbia University School of Journalism, died Aug. 11, 2016. He was 68. A member of Delta Tau Delta, he became a broadcast journalist after graduating with a degree in Film and Asian Studies. He won awards as an editor and producer of news and public affairs programs for WCBV-TV in Boston and as an independent documentary producer. From 1974 to 1993 he was the program director, department chair, and director of the School of Journalism at Boston University, at which time he joined the faculty of Columbia University, where he first was tasked with redesigning the School’s broadcast curriculum, among other responsibilities. During his 26 years at Columbia, he was at the forefront of training new journalists at the school and at institutes around the world in the changing ways of delivering information. He taught broadcast news reporting, digital reporting, new business models (especially focused on start-ups and mobile video platforms) in journalism, and ethics. His teaching in recent years had been on the disruption of the television news industry, and on converging media and the business models needed to sustain them. Most recently, he devised and taught a class, “Reinventing TV News,” where students worked with major broadcast and video enterprises on rethinking news formats, delivery systems and business models. In 2002 he was named acting dean of the journalism school and later served as vice dean. A recognized international expert on the development and management of journalism education and training programs, he advised schools and professional organizations in more than 20 countries, including new initiatives in Jordan, India, Kenya, Brazil, and Hungary. The co-author of two books about the business relationships between television and sports, his articles have also been published in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and other major newspapers and magazines. He served for many years as chairman of the jury for the Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Awards in broadcast journalism. As a professional consultant he advised the development of television news organizations in Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, and China. He also served as director of international station development for New York Times Television and Video News International. In addition, he was a consultant to broadcast media throughout the United States. He died in New York City just days after being diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer. Among those who survive are his wife, Nancy Lauter; two daughters; three grandchildren; his nephews, James M. Klatell ’99 and Jeremy N. Klatell ’00; and a cousin, Benjamin H. Fuchs ’11.

We are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend and colleague, partner Alan Kraus. Since joining Latham in 2001, Alan applied his extraordinary talent and exemplary leadership in countless ways: as a formidable advocate for clients, an inspiring mentor to many, and a strong practice builder. A member of the New York and New Jersey offices, Alan was a consummate professional and a man of principle who embodied the values that the firm holds dear.

Widely known for his poise and eloquence as a trial lawyer, Alan maintained a robust practice in complex litigation that focused on product liability, toxic tort, environmental and commercial litigation. He also had significant experience in securities fraud, patent litigation, professional malpractice and employment matters. Alan tried more than 50 cases and argued numerous appeals in the federal Courts of Appeals, the New Jersey Appellate Division and Supreme Court and the New York Appellate Division and Court of Appeals.

“In my 12 years of working with Alan, he faced every challenge with unstoppable resolve — both in the courtroom, and in life,” says retired partner Dave McLean. “Alan was a phenomenal litigator with an unmatched passion for trial work who made an indelible mark on our team. The respect and affection in which Alan is held by so many reflect his tremendous integrity, his trusted leadership, and his strength of character.”

Partner Allen Gardner adds: “Alan’s strategic mindset and personal warmth really made him stand out as a lawyer. Always up for a challenge, he was a big-picture thinker who presented beautifully in the courtroom. And behind the scenes, Alan created a collegial work environment that benefitted everyone who was fortunate to work with him.”

“A Top-Notch Trial Lawyer”

Alan received his JD from the University of North Carolina School of Law. Alan earned a reputation as a skillful trial lawyer, defending clients in prominent product liability cases such as his defense of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company in a multi-billion dollar RICO action brought against the tobacco industry by the Johns-Manville Personal Injury Settlement Trust that went to trial in the Eastern District of New York in 2000.

At Latham, Alan continued to amass an impressive body of work that encompassed a number of complex, high-profile matters. He considered his representation of Essex Chemical in New Jersey’s first natural resource damages trial to be among the most challenging cases of his illustrious career. Alan and Latham colleagues developed a creative defense argument that called into question key principles of New Jersey’s natural resource damages program — resulting in a complete defense judgment for their client. Months later, Alan also successfully tried a second natural resource damages case for Union Carbide Corporation.

Says partner Kegan Brown, who worked under Alan on both cases: “I learned how to litigate from Alan. He was a top-notch trial lawyer and a master writer who crafted simple, persuasive arguments that resonated in court. Most importantly, Alan was a team player who always made you feel like he had time for you. It was clear that he genuinely wanted to help others grow and succeed.”

Partner Gary Gengel adds: “Alan was there for us whenever we needed his advice and guidance. His calm demeanor, steady pace and strategic mind instilled confidence.”

Trusted Leader and Inspiring Mentor

Alan’s remarkable resolve, trusted leadership and boundless energy were evident beyond his practice work. At Latham, Alan chaired the local Litigation Department for six years and was a member of the Associates and Pro Bono Committees. He considered one of his greatest professional honors to have been elected to the American College of Trial Lawyers in 1999. Alan also was a distinguished member of our Trial Advocacy program, serving on its faculty for more than 10 years and making incredible contributions to teaching trial lawyer skills.

His many accomplishments and service to Latham have left an enduring imprint on our firm. As a leader in several aspects of firm management, Alan and his unflappable judgement and analytical eye were highly valued, and he was a role model and mentor to many. Partner Miles Ruthberg recalls: “Alan was an extremely accomplished lawyer and a positive and inspiring mentor. Soft-spoken, understated and big-hearted, Alan was always quick to praise others and to share his wisdom. He brought the same commitment and passion to mentoring many of us in the courtroom as he did on the golf course — a game which he loved and for which he was prodigiously gifted.”

Alan will be remembered with great fondness and appreciation by his colleagues, particularly those who benefited from his thoughtful guidance. Adds associate Blake Denton: “I am a better lawyer today because of Alan’s mentorship. He took an interest not only in my work on our cases together, but also my career and family. Alan’s loss is a double-loss for Latham because we lost not only an elite trial lawyer, but a kind, wonderful person.”

We will miss Alan greatly and extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends.

NANCY C. BLEMLY, 62, a retired manager at the National Security Agency, died Nov. 3, 2015. She received her degree in astronomy and then a master’s from Case Western Reserve University in 1981. After graduation from Wesleyan she went to work at the N.S.A., initially in technical positions and retiring as a manger in 2014. She had a passion for genealogy and enjoyed quilting. Survivors include her husband, Mike Blemly, a son, and a large extended family.

DAVID G. SWANSON, 63, a regional and urban planner, died Oct. 12, 2015. After receiving his degree he joined AmeriCorps VISTA in Redding, Calif., and then earned a master’s degree in Regional and Urban Planning from San Jose State University. He began working for the City of Salinas in the city’s community development block grant program and is credited with overseeing the city’s housing rehabilitation program, the city’s housing program, and federal grants for road, drainage and other public improvements. He provided his technical knowledge and assistance in the development of housing projects for the homeless and the elderly. After retirement he continued to volunteer, preparing hot lunches for the homeless and tutoring local students. His wife, Mary Orrison, survives, as do two sons, one granddaughter, and two sisters.

GEOFFREY D. SMITH, who worked for the I.R.S. for 40 years, died June 27, 2015. He was 65. A management analyst, he was also a runner and an avid reader. For many years he volunteered to coach softball and basketball to men and women with special needs. He is survived by his wife, Durinda Garvey Smith, three children, three brothers, and 12 nieces and nephews.