Page 29 - MayJune25 Report

MEMORIALS
Memorials honor the lives of deceased members of the local Bar. For more information, contact Lisa Quintanilla at (513) 699-1391 or lquintanilla@cincybar.org.
Richard Lee Katz
1949 – 2024
Richard Lee Katz passed away at age
75 on September 29, 2024. He was the
beloved husband of Diane Katz, loving
father of Scott (Carrie) Katz and Steph-
anie (Matt) Fries, caring grandfather of
Benjamin and Carson Katz, and Shayne
and Eli Fries, and dear brother of the late
Joyce Spritzer.
He was a third-generation Cincinnatian. He graduated from
Walnut Hills High School. After graduating from the University
of Cincinnati, he attended the University of Cincinnati College
of Law.
He began his professional career working for Ronald Grinker
and Jerry Springer’s law firm. One of his cohorts was Harry
Sudman through the seventies. He later associated with Milton
Thurman, Jack Rubinstein, and others until forming a partner-
ship with Jerry Harris; Harris and Katz. He then struck out on his
own as a sole practitioner until his passing. Although as attested
to by Mark Gordon and Steven Maltz his proficiency in all areas of
the law, Richard’s primary area of practice was sports law; serving
as an agent for coaches such as Tony Yates and Bob Huggins, in
addition to the many NFL players and NBA players he represented
their as sports agent/lawyer. His success is most aptly described by
Harry Sudman, “He was a brilliant attorney and was a successful
and noted professional sports agent.”
And his legal acumen in the world of sports was a skill he did
not keep to himself. As recalled by Brian Goldberg, “Rich was
a real Mentor to me as a young kid, and then as a young sports
attorney and baseball agent. We shared office space for almost 20
years.”
Although a lawyer by profession, Richard also had a keen
interest in making the world a better than the way he found it. He
was active in the Jewish Community Center serving for over 35
years on the Board. In fact, Richard’s commitment to the success
of the Jewish Community Center was capped by his serving as
president of that agency.
Richard’s contributions also extended to the UCats organiza-
tion at the University of Cincinnati. He was an active member and
served on many committees in various roles.
Richard was not only par excellence as a sports agent/lawyer
but also a “very good” friend as fondly remembered by many
of his schoolmates going back as far as 8th grade, if not sooner,
then his high school, college, and law school years, and finally his
clients and colleagues.
Gordon McGregor
Strauss
1947 – 2024
Gordon Strauss passed away on
March 10, 2024, at the age of 77. Gordon
was born in Cincinnati to Victor and
Dana Strauss. He grew up in the Village
of Indian Hill. He attended Indian Hill
School and St. Paul’s School (Concord,
NH). He graduated from Brown University in Providence, Rhode
Island.
After college, Gordon joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1969.
He was a combat veteran of the Vietnam War and received the
Bronze Star medal for his service. He left the military in 1972
having achieved the rank of Captain. Thereafter, Gordon returned
to Cincinnati to attend the University of Cincinnati College of
Law. He received his Juris Doctorate degree in 1975.
Upon graduation from law school, Gordon worked for the
General Counsel of the Republican National Committee. He
also served as General Counsel to the Ohio Republican Party.
Gordon had the distinction of working with three other lawyers
to provide instruction to 24 new South African political parties on
the country’s new constitution and voting rights. During his time
of service in South Africa, Gordon was named Parliamentarian
for the Committee on Rules and Order of Business.
After completion of his career at the federal level, Gordon
again returned to Cincinnati where he worked as a Hamilton
County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney and as a Probate Court
Magistrate.
During his tenure at Hamilton County Probate Court, Gordon
was well known for his command of the English language and
his erudite writing ability. He commanded his courtroom like
a well-oiled machine and demanded excellence from the attor-
neys who came before him. Gordon was also a student of history,
with a special interest in the American Civil War. He attended
symposiums at several Civil War battlefields. Gordon was also
an accomplished harmonica player and conducted impromptu
concerts.
Gordon was actively involved with the Episcopal church. He
taught Sunday School, participated in the Acolytes program,
tutored young students in after school programs and especially
enjoyed attending bible studies. Gordon co-founded with Rev.
Paul Long, the Juvenile Detention Center ministry program
through Indian Hill Church. Prior to his death, Gordon trained
to become a Volunteer Chaplain at Christ Hospital.
Gordon is survived by his wife, Julie Burdick, his son, Kayser
(Keiko) Strauss, grandchildren Ayleen, Oren, Ryan and Brennan
and his siblings, Vic, Geoff (Jane) and Cita. He was predeceased
by his son, Joshua Morton Strauss.
THE REPORT | May/June 2025 | CincyBar.org 29