People

Frank L. Bixby, 91, died Saturday, July 20, 2019.

His wife of over 67 years, Kaki, predeceased him by less than three months. He is survived by four children and nine grandchildren.

Frank—known as "Bix" to most of his friends and colleagues—was born in New Richmond, Wisconsin, on May 25, 1928, to Frank H. and Esther (Otteson) Bixby. During the Depression, the family moved to Madison, Wisconsin, where Frank attended West High School. He later attended Harvard College and returned to Madison for law school at the University of Wisconsin, where he became editor-in-chief of the Law Review. After graduation, he went to work for the Chicago law firm, Sidley Austin, LLP—then known as Sidley, Austin, Burgess, & Smith. He spent his entire career at the firm and saw it grow from fewer than 50 attorneys to over 2,000. He served the firm in various roles, including head of its estates and trusts group for many years. He continued working with clients through the firm until he was 90.

Scott Curtis Cleal, 62, of Naperville, died Aug. 21, 2019.

He is survived by his wife, Sonja, step daughter, Nevena (Nick ) and granddaughter Sofia, step son Matija; twin brother, Jon (Angela), nieces, Valerie, Brittany and Shannon; brother, Charles; sisters, Marianne and Janet with families, and close friends. He is preceded in death by his parents Harold L. and Shirley C. Cleal.

Robbins, Salomon & Patt, Ltd. (RSP), a full-service law firm in the Chicagoland area, is saddened by the recent passing of partner Robert J. Trizna. This outspoken people’s advocate and devoted public servant died Aug. 14 following a short, unexpected illness; he was 66.  

The Champaign law firm Thomas, Mamer & Haughey, LLP has announced the firm will now be known as Thomas Mamer, LLP.

Founded in 1946 by attorneys James G. Thomas and Wallace Mulliken, the law firm of Thomas Mamer has been a pillar of the Champaign-Urbana community for 73 years. Thomas Mamer has continued to maintain a level of continuity that is second to none. Firm attorneys have spent three quarters of a century as active, practicing partners helping to build an unshakeable foundation.