Paul Ivan Birzon

BIRZON - Paul Ivan Of Rochester, NY; passed away on August 30, 2008. Mr. Birzon, age 75, was born in Brooklyn, New York to Israel and Irene Birzon. Mr. Birzon served his country in Korea before graduating with honors from Columbia Law School in 1959. Upon his marriage to Harriet Herbst Birzon in 1960, the couple moved to Buffalo, New York where he started the practice of law. Shortly thereafter, Mr. Birzon started teaching at the University of Buffalo Law School, where he was a highly respected professor for more than forty years. While developing his practice and teaching law, Mr. Birzon came to be regarded around the state as an expert in the area of evidence. He was a much sought after speaker and lecturer, where the combination of eloquence and knowledge made him one of the most influential attorneys in the state. In the late 1970s, Mr. Birzon chose to concentrate on the field of matrimonial law and soon became widely known as one of the preeminent experts in that area, serving as president of the prestigious American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers from 1985 to 1987. Mr. Birzon was a founding member of the International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. He lectured and published nationally on the subject of the application of the rules of evidence to matrimonial cases. His articles and treatises continue to serve as references for lawyers and judges around the country. Paul and Harriett Birzon were parents to three children. Aubrey (Birzon) Blanda resides in Glen Ridge, New Jersey with her husband, Philip, and their two children, Harry, age 10, and Isabella, age 8. David Birzon resides with his wife, Shannon, in Phoenix, Arizona and Aspen, Colorado. They have two children, Jonathan, age 11, and Katie, age 8. The youngest child, Joshua, who was serving in the United States Marines, passed away in January, 2000. After forty-one years of marriage, Harriet Birzon passed away in April, 2001. Mr. Birzon married Sharon Kelly Sayers, an attorney from Rochester, New York, in 2003. Mr. Birzon is survived by his wife. In his later years, Mr. Birzon moved from his beloved country home in Attica, New York to Rochester. In addition to being survived by his own children, he leaves his wifes children; Kelly (Sayers) Pleszewicz, and her husband, Edward, with their three children, Lauren, age 20, Edward, age 18 and Kristen, age 7 as well as Rachel (Sayers) Taber with her two children, Jackson, age 11 and Emelia, age 7. Mr. Birzon leaves many members of his extended family, including his beloved cousin, Sid Birzon and his sister, Lorraine Pando. Those with memories of Mr. Birzon are encouraged to send photographs and memories to Sharon Kelly Sayers, 2251-5 East Main Street, Rochester, New York 14609. A Memory Book is being compiled to memorialize a life that made such an impact on New York jurisprudence and to his loving family.