Thomas A. LaPolla

 Attorney Thomas A. LaPolla, 82, of Niles, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday October 15, 2019 at Community Skilled Health Care Centre in Warren
He was born January 14, 1937 in Columbus, the son of Dr. Anthony and Rose Kiener LaPolla. 
Tom was a 1955 graduate of Niles McKinley High School, attended Dartmouth College, and was a 1962 graduate of The Ohio State University College of Law. During law school, he worked as a Legislative Research Assistant to The Ohio State General Assembly. He began his 57 year legal career as an assistant city solicitor for the City of Kent. He moved to Niles to continue his practice and became a partner in the firm Delbene, LaPolla, and Thomas in Warren. From 1962-2019 Tom had a general practice specializing in probate and estate planning, business, small corporations and sports law. He was rated AV Preeminent by Marindale-Hubbell, which is the highest possible rating in both legal ability and ethical standards.
Tom was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Niles. He served on the board of education in Niles as both a member and president. Until his retirement in 2019 he served as president of the board at Community Skilled Health Care Centre. He was also a member of The American Bar Association, Ohio State Bar Association, Trumbull County Bar Association (past president), Dartmouth Lawyers Association. His firm also represented the NFL Quarterback Club.
He was an avid tennis player and golfer. His trips to Sanibel Island with his family and his time spent with close friends were the most important parts of his life.
The family wishes to convey their sincerest appreciation to the staff at Community Skilled Nursing Centre who cared for Tom with tremendous skill and deep compassion 
He will be deeply missed by his wife Judith Mae Thompson LaPolla whom he married June 28, 1958, a son Thomas LaPolla and his wife Beverly of Brunswick, Ohio, two daughters, Karen Uspenski and her husband Alexis of Chardon, Susan Lieber of Niles, a sister Ann Sutherin and her husband Thomas of Columbus, five grandchildren, Anthony Rathburn, Sam Rathburn and his wife Monica, Megan Lieber, Emily LaPolla, Tommy LaPolla, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Mary LaPolla.
Friends may call Saturday from 10AM to noon at The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles.
Funeral services will be held at noon Saturday at The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to The Camelot Center, a handicapped horseback riding program at 3498 Barclay Messerly Road, Southington, Ohio 44470. Tom helped to create this program for his grandson Anthony Rathburn 

 Arrangements are being handled by The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles.
 

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