McNamara & Drass Announces the Passing of Francis

Tuesday, May 25, 2021 | 1582 | 0

It is with a heavy heart that McNamara and Drass announces the passing of founding partner, Francis "Terry" Drass.

Terry's great passions are his family, the practice of law and Ohio State football.

He was an alumnus of The Ohio State University for both his undergraduate and legal education, thus explaining his lifelong support of and devotion to The Ohio State University. Terry then spent his entire 50 year legal career in the Workers' Compensation industry.

He began his career at the Ohio Industrial Commission. After moving to California in 1975, Terry began practicing as an applicant's attorney, eventually becoming a named partner in the prominent firm of Banks, Leviton and Drass.  He is a past president of the Orange County chapter of the California Applicant Attorney's Association.  His name is on many published Court of Appeal Decisions and he was particularly known for his prowess at deposing doctors.   

In 1991 Terry 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.  Terry managed the Orange County office of McNamara and Drass until his passing.  

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. 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. 

Terry is survived by his wife of 51 years, Sally and their 4 daughters, Theresa, Christine, Stephanie and Mary as well as his 4 sons-in-law and seven grandchildren. 

Terry's family will be celebrating his life and memories at a Vigil on Friday May 28, at 7:00 pm at O'Conner Mortuary, 25301 Alicia Parkway Laguna Hills, CA 92653. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 29, beginning with a Mass at 11:00 am at St. Nicholas Church, 24252 El Toro Rd, Laguna Woods, CA 92637. The Burial will follow at 12:30 pm at Ascension Cemetery, 24754 Trabuco Rd. Lake Forest, CA 92630. There is no limit on attendance. 

There will be a reception afterwards at the Family home at 24615 Kings Pointe, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

Terry's legacy will live on in our minds and hearts. Expressions of  condolences or memories can be shared at www.oconnormortuary.com.