John W. “Jack” Conlin, Jr., a past president of the Washtenaw County Bar Association, died January 13 at the age of 87.
An Ann Arbor native, Conlin attended St. Thomas Grade and High School, lettering in all sports. He played football for one year at Notre Dame and then the University of Michigan where he graduated with his B.A. in history in 1954.
After a two-year tour in the army serving in the Far East, he returned to Ann Arbor and University of Michigan Law School, graduating in 1958.
He was a member of the Michigan Bar Association for 60 years and one of the early principals in the Ann Arbor law firm of Conlin, McKenney and Philbrick, where he practiced law for 30 years. He was also a member of the Florida Bar Association, having practiced in Marathon for many years.
A great trial lawyer, Conlin also was involved in numerous charitable boards and activities, including delivering food to the homeless until shortly before his death.
He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Elks, American Legion, and Disabled American Veterans.
A Funeral Mass was held Jan. 18 in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. A memorial service will be held later in Ann Arbor.
- Posted January 18, 2019
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In Memoriam: John W. 'Jack' Conlin, Jr.

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