Firm Announces Death of Francis 'Terry' Drass

Wednesday, May 26, 2021 | 1

Workers’ compensation defense firm McNamara & Drass announced the death of founding partner Francis “Terry” Drass. He was 74.

Francis “Terry” Drass

Drass’ great passions were his family, the practice of law and Ohio State football, the firm said in a statement.

He was an alumnus of Ohio State University for both his undergraduate and legal education, thus explaining his lifelong support of and devotion to the university. Drass spent his entire 50-year legal career in the workers’ compensation industry.

He began at the Ohio Industrial Commission. After moving to California in 1975, Drass began practicing as an applicants' attorney, eventually becoming a partner in the prominent firm of Banks, Leviton and Drass. He was a past president of the Orange County chapter of the California Applicants' Attorneys Association, and his name is on many published appellate decisions and was particularly known for his prowess at deposing doctors.   

In 1991, Drass switched to defense work. He worked at the Law Offices James K. McDermott (later McDermott & McNamara) until 2004, when he and Steven McNamara founded McNamara & Drass LLP. Drass managed the Orange County office of McNamara and Drass until his death.

“Terry was respected throughout the industry for his remarkable intelligence, insight and thoughtful approach to handling workers' compensation claims, regardless of which side he was on,” the firm said in a statement. “Throughout his career, he took great pride in mentoring attorneys. We at the firm will miss the roundtables and brainstorming sessions with Terry, and his trusted guidance was invaluable. His presence will be truly missed.”

Drass is survived by his wife of 51 years, Sally; their four daughters, Theresa, Christine, Stephanie and Mary; as well as his four sons-in-law and seven grandchildren.

Drass’ family will celebrate his life and memory in a vigil at 7 p.m. Friday at O’Conner Mortuary, 25301 Alicia Parkway in Laguna Hills.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, beginning with a mass at 11 a.m. at St. Nicholas Church, 24252 El Toro Road in Laguna Woods. Burial will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Ascension Cemetery, 24754 Trabuco Road in Lake Forest. There is no limit on attendance.

A reception will be held afterward at the family home, 24615 Kings Pointe, in Laguna Niguel.

Expressions of condolences or memories can be shared here.