In Memoriam

A past president and longtime member of CLSMD, Marisa Petrella was devoted to her family, her profession, and her faith, generously giving of her time and legal talents. She was authorized to practice before many state and federal courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court.  Learn more here. 

A member of CLSMD for many years, Norman Levasseur received the Society's highest honor, the Msgr. Malloy Award. A Purple Heart recipient, he practiced law until age 93. He sailed competitively and won many regattas, including one at age 95. Read more here.

Judge Olzark served on the Wayne County Circuit Court from 1970 to 1996. An alumnus of the University of Detroit School of Law, Judge Olzark was active in many organizations, including the Catholic Lawyers Society and Polish Advocates Association. Learn more here. 

Gerard Peplowski earned his law degree at the University of Detroit and was a board member of the Catholic Lawyers Society.  A member of the Order of Malta, he was instrumental in the founding of the Malta Dental and Medical Clinic, which serves the uninsured poor. Read more here. 

Judge Teranes, a longtime director and member of CLSMD,  was a judge of the Wayne County Circuit Coury for almost 20 years, previusly serving as an assistant Wayne County prosecutor. He had a long and rewarding legal career despite losing his eyesight as a child. Read more here. 

A Tribute to Hon. Paul Teranes by Hon. Robert Colombo

Attorney Gerard Andree was the 2021 recipient of the Msgr. Malloy Award, CLSMD's highest honor. Rated a Michigan "Super Lawyer" by his peers, he was a Knight of Malta and a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. Learn more here.   

John P. Jacobs, one of Michigan's top appellate advocates in both state and federal courts, was a longtime officer, board member, and supporter of the Catholic Lawyers Society of Metropolitan Detroit. A recipient of the Society's Msgr. Malloy Award, he was quietly generous to the needy. Read more here. 

A past president, lifetime member, and faithful supporter of the Society, Charles "Charlie" Rutherford was a man of service to his profession, community, and Church. Learn more here.