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Family, friends remember Akron attorney Mike Scanlon
SHERRY KARABIN
Legal News Reporter
Published: November 4, 2022
He believed in living life to the fullest, cared deeply for family and friends and was committed to the legal profession, especially his clients, going the extra mile to come up with solutions to their problems regardless of their ability to pay for his services—that’s how those closest to Akron attorney Michael C. Scanlon sum up his life.
Scanlon, whose self-described mantra was the Frank Sinatra version of the song “My Way” passed away on July 13. He was 82.
“Mike was a great brother and a fierce defender of his little brothers Terry and me,” said Larry Scanlon, managing partner at the plaintiff-side law firm Scanlon & Company. “He was an open book when it came to letting you know what he thought and felt. He had a great laugh and a nice sense of humor.
“He was a straight shooter with his clients, who loved and trusted him,” said Larry. “I’ve never heard any lawyer or judge say anything other than something nice about him.”
Scanlon’s longtime friend and colleague, retired attorney John Herman described him as “a good man,” who was honest and cared about his clients.
“Mike was more interested in helping to solve his clients’ problems than he was in making a lot of money,” said Herman, who shared office space with Scanlon for over 15 years.
“He was there for his friends and very devoted to his wife Linda,” said Herman.
Born in Akron on Jan. 5, 1940, he was one of Chick and Bettye Scanlon’s five children.
A skilled ice skater, Scanlon was offered the chance to try out for the Ice Capades (now defunct) at age 14, but his parents didn’t allow him to do so.
Scanlon graduated from Campion Jesuit High School in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin (now closed) and earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in economics from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts.
He obtained his juris doctorate from the institution now known as Ohio Northern University Claude Pettit College of Law.
“Mike taught high school English for two years in Lima while he was in law school,” said Larry. “Skating and teaching as well as racing cars were some of his favorite things to do.”
Scanlon began his legal career as an assistant prosecutor in the Summit County Prosecutor’s Office.
After leaving the prosecutor’s office, he accepted a position as an associate at Roderick & Myers (now Roderick Linton Belfance).
His next stop was Scanlon & Scanlon (later known as Scanlon & Gearinger Co.), where he was a partner.
“Tim, Mike, Terry and I all worked for Scanlon & Scanlon at some point,” said Larry. “I was a law clerk at the firm and then an associate.”
Scanlon later practiced at Hershey & Browne. He spent the last portion of his career as a sole practitioner.
“Mike was a generalist for most of his legal career, though he tried both criminal and personal injury trial cases,” said Larry. “His last trial was a not guilty verdict in a serious case that he was most proud of. He also did a lot of domestic, real estate and commercial work. Early in his career, his passion was handling adoptions.”
Retired Summit County Domestic Relations Court Judge Carol J. Dezso said Scanlon came before her on numerous occasions.
“Mike was always prepared,” said Dezso. “He was kind to his clients and other lawyers.
“He was a very straight shooter, who did his very best to represent his client while always maintaining his professionalism.
“He had a great temperament and a fun sense of humor,” said Dezso. “I really liked him. I thought he was a very nice man.”
A longtime member of the Akron Bar Association, Scanlon served on the grievance committee for many years.
“Mike thought it was his duty to the public and the legal profession to be involved in the process,” said Larry.
In his obituary Scanlon wrote, “I always marched to my own drummer… I thought enjoying the journey was more important than the destination…
“It took me three tries before I found my soulmate Linda. I was very lucky to have her in my life and receive her unconditional love...”
In addition to his marriage to Linda, Scanlon noted one other highlight in his life, “Driving a NASCAR race car (#18) 172 mph at Michigan International Speedway when I was 80 years old--now that was a rush!!”
Scanlon is survived by his wife Linda, sons Christopher and Kevin (Amy), daughter Lisa, stepchildren Kelly, James and Michael (Tracey), nine grandchildren, including two step-granddaughters, his sister Patricia McCarthy, brothers Larry and Tim, sister-in-law Phyllis, along with numerous nieces and nephews.