The FBA and its members remember the friends of the association who may be gone, but not forgotten.  We value their service to the community through their work toward justice and hope that this may serve as a tribute to them.

In Memoriam Archives: 2019

Paul Terrence "Terry" O'Grady, Esq.

Paul Terrence "Terry" O'Grady, age 81, formerly of Falls Church, VA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 2, 2019. He was at Loudoun Hospital in Leesburg, Virginia surrounded by his family when he died. Terry is survived by his beloved wife Catherine Harte O'Grady; their four children and their spouses: Maura Santoli and her husband Frank, Terrence O'Grady and his wife Marie, Catherine O'Grady and her husband Kurt Merkle, and Kerry O'Grady and her husband Jim Henon, sisters Patricia Dennis and Jeanne Scollin, and 9 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother Fr. Joseph O'Grady. Terry was born in Lynn, MA on June 7, 1938 to the late Joseph and Anne O'Grady. He graduated from St. Mary's HS in Lynn (1955) Saint Michael's College in Colchester, Vermont (1959). Law was Terry's passion -- he received his JD from Boston College of Law in 1962. He was admitted to both the Virginia and DC bars. He started his career with the Justice Department -- and then served as City Attorney for Falls Church, VA. The bulk of his career was in private practice in Falls Church where he was committed to helping his clients navigate legal matters with ease. Terry was a photographer, avid reader, keeper of family history. He was known for his curiosity and interest in practically anything and anyone who crossed his path. He always enjoyed connecting with people one on one -- from his neighbors to clients to his many friends-- he shared a laugh and a bit of himself. Though Terry accomplished much professionally -- nothing gave him greater pleasure than family, especially those who call him Grampy. If you ran into him he'd always have a story about one of his beloved grandchildren -- Grace, Patrick, Tim, Liam, Steffen, Lewis, Daniel, Kaela and Emma. From their accomplishments in the classroom to sailing to Boy Scouts to swimming and their day to day lives. He'd make sure you saw a recent photo on his phone and heard the story behind it. Also on his phone -- pictures of his best date -- his wife of 57 years -- Cathy. They were an inseparable pair who shared a love of family, inside jokes as well as summer trips to Maine and fall trips to her home state Vermont to celebrate their marriage in the state where it began.

Steven Arnold Merril, Esq.

The Honorable Frank B. Perry, III

 The Honorable Frank B. Perry, III passed away at home on July 1, 2019.

A native of Alexandria, VA, he attended the University of Virginia. After a stint as an Army Officer, he attended Law School at the University of Virginia, graduating in 1964. He practiced law for the Fairfax branch of the firm of Phillips, Kendrick et al, and became a substitute judge. He was elected General District Court judge in 1979 and served until his retirement in 1999.

He was well known for his patience and calm demeanor on the bench. He may be the last true Virginia gentleman.

Lawrence D. Gaughan, Esq. 

Larry D. Gaughan passed away on Sunday, June 23, 2019 of melanoma. As a lawyer, family mediator, and especially as a husband, Larry’s favorite topic was probably SIX COMPONENTS OF A GREAT MARRIAGE. He wrote extensively about adaptability in marriage, marital responsibility, marriage as a partnership and the role of self esteem in marriage. Lest you think “Here is a man thinking great thoughts as he rocks”. Not at all. This is the same man who bicycled 390 miles (much of it with a flat tire and in the rain) across the mountains of Montana in 4 ½ days to attend his 50th high school reunion.

Larry was admitted to the Montana State Bar in 1957 and to the Virginia State Bar in 1967. Following a tour of duty in the Air Force as judge advocate in Texas, Turkey and France he obtained his LL.M and was asked to teach at UVA. He did so for seven years. In 1979, Larry was selected as “Scholar in Residence” at Georgetown University Family Center. He integrated his studies with mediation and soon opened his own mediation practice calling it, “FAMILY MEDIATION OF GREATER WASHINGTON”. 

Larry’s work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, USA Today and Virginia Laywers Weekly. 

H. Wise Kelly, III, Esq. 

 H. Wise Kelly, III passed away at his home in Rileyville, Va., on June 12, 2019.

A lifelong Virginian, Wise was born to Henry Wise Kelly Jr. and Agnes Patterson on Aug. 6, 1948. He attended Randolph-Macon Academy in Front Royal and Washington & Lee University in Lexington, graduating in 1970 not only with a degree in economics but also with lifelong friends and stories that could rival National Lampoon's "Animal House." He married Virginia Weiskittel and moved to Charlottesville to attend the University of Virginia School of Law. He graduated in 1973 and entered private practice in Fairfax.

During his career, Wise served as Chairman of the Virginia State Bar Disciplinary Board and Substitute Judge for the 19th Judicial District in Fairfax County and was a frequent lecturer on Professionalism and Ethics. His colleagues considered him to be one of the brightest attorneys they had ever dealt with - professional and honest, with a great sense of humor to boot. His clients loved him. No one who ever dealt with Wise forgot him. Wise retired in 2004 and loved every minute of it.

Wise spent his retirement blissfully caring for his home and garden, woodworking and expanding his encyclopedic knowledge of the Civil War. Accompanied by a Motown soundtrack, he traversed back roads throughout Virginia to reach battlefields and obscure historic sites, stomping around with wonder and enthusiasm for the most minute details. He was thrilled to spend his days as he saw fit, usually capped off with cold beer and peanuts.

Wise was a true gentleman. His sharp wit, kind heart and endless wisdom will be deeply missed. He is survived by his daughters, Laura Kelly Kennedy, of Austin, Texas, and Shannon Melissa Kelly, of Chicago, Ill., and his grandson, Henry Mason Kennedy, of Austin, Texas. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Meredith and Dale Houff, of Luray, Va., and his sister, Julia K. Kelly, of Mount Pleasant, S.C. He was a beloved uncle to Kyle Houff, Mitchell Houff and Virginia Mutch.

Albert I. Kassabian, Esq.

On April 21, 2019, longtime practicing attorney, Albert I. Kassabian, of Oakton, VA, passed away from lung cancer at the age of 96. His beloved wife of 63 years, Dr. Alice Kassabian, predeceased him on June 9, 2011. He was the devoted father of five children, Dr. Keith Kassabian (Amy), Lynne Kassabian (David Hick), The Honorable Brett Kassabian (Jacqueline), Clay Kassabian (Inge) and John Kassabian. A loving and involved grandfather, affectionately known as Papa Al, he adored his seven grandchildren, Peter, Rachel (Alex Usé), Rebecca, Hannah, Joshua, Ani and Sarah. He was uncle to John Anooshian (Cynthia), Dr. John Anooshian, Ann Anooshian and Robert Kassabian (Vanessa), and great-uncle to Chanel Anooshian and Carson Kassabian. His doting sister, Gloria Kassabian, survives him. His younger brother, the Honorable Arnold Kassabian (Naomi), predeceased him.

The son of Armenian immigrants, Ohannes and Araxy Kassabian, he was born in Richmond, VA, on June 24, 1922. He moved to New York City and later served as a lieutenant in the US Army during WWII, seeing combat action in Okinawa and subsequently serving in occupied Japan as a courier for Gen. MacArthur. Upon his honorable discharge, he graduated from CCNY, married his loving Alice and in 1950 earned his law degree from the University of Virginia. He practiced law at Kassabian & Kassabian, PLC in Annandale, VA, until the week before he passed, a span of almost 70 years. During the civil rights movement, he was active in confronting Virginia's massive resistance to school desegregation. He was a long-standing member of Little River United Church of Christ, serving on the board of deacons. He will be remembered for his unflagging humor, his powerful strength of character and his complete devotion to his cherished family.