Frank W. Oliver

Frank Oliver Obituary

Frank W. Oliver, trial lawyer in Chicago for more than 30 years, died October 1, 2006 in Miami Florida. Mr. Oliver was born on March 26, 1920 in Sioux City, Iowa. He attended the University of Chicago as an undergraduate and received his law degree from University of Iowa. He began his law practice in Chicago in 1950 and continued to try cases here and around the country through 1985 when he retired to Florida. Friend and colleague James Shellow of Milwaukee, Wisconsin said of Mr. Oliver, ''Frank's grace and elegance set the standard for those who practice in the federal courts of Illinois. Frank did not try cases; he choreographed them. His magic and incandescent presence permeated our trials and his sardonic wit reminded us that it was theater and not to take ourselves too seriously. Whatever I have learned about the trial of a criminal case I learned from Frank. My debt is immense. His wisdom, style and intellect accompany me every day the jury walks in. Frank taught me that there was nothing and no one to fear in a federal court.'' Friend and colleague Judith Halprin spoke of Mr. Oliver, saying, ''Those of us fortunate enough to come within his orbit experienced his extraordinary intellect, scholarship, elegance and imagination. In the process we learned from him how to be a trial lawyer. He was an uniquely brilliant and gifted trial lawyer and an irreplaceable teacher, mentor and friend. The law, along with we who loved him, have lost a treasure.'' Mr. Oliver is survived by his wife, Andree, nee Jassogne; his son, Marcus (Marie-Therese) and grandson, Kevin (Angela) Oliver.

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Published by Chicago Tribune on Oct. 5, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Frank Oliver

8 Entries

Diane Kramer

June 9, 2018

I answered an ad for a legal secretary and met Mr. Oliver. I was 20, still in business college and had not yet taken typing. I began crying when I realized I could not type the letter, let alone read my shorthand. The kindness Mr. Oliver expressed to me will forever remain in my heart. Years later we met again and Mr. Oliver listened to my stories of an abusive childhood. Once again his kindness and encouragement left me with feelings of warmth and acceptance. I have asked myself how it is possible to love someone with just two brief encounters but love him I do!

Joseph Mulligan, S.J.

October 6, 2006

Frank was one of the attorneys who defended us in the Chicago 15 trial -- destruction of draft files in 1969. A very challenging case for any lawyer! We lost, but Frank helped us to denounce the Vietnam war in the courtroom. Thanks, Frank.
I had the pleasure to visit Frank in Miami a few years ago.
Father Joe Mulligan, S.J.

Stephanie (Clark) Phillips

October 5, 2006

I was Frank's secretary in the late '60s when he shared space on LaSalle with Jerry Werksman and Joe (Joey G) Garlovski. As we all know, Frank was the legal scholar extraordinaire and his depth of the law coupled with his dashing and elegant dress stood him before the crowd--and oh how he loved the crowd and the audience! He carried his elegance to Florida, a place for which he had much disdain but endured for Andree, whom he always lovingly called his "jock." That our paths crossed and remained so through all the years has only made our lives (Cedric and Ian and me) that much richer. Our love to you Andree and we'll see you soon.

Stuart Adler

October 5, 2006

Marcus:Our thoughts are with you & your family on your loss during this time. We go back to "Harvard"days-some 48 years ago.

Seymour Kurtz

October 5, 2006

Dear Andree and Marcus: I share, in my way, the loss we and so many others sense in Frank’s departure. I officed with him, tried matters with him and obtained Rottweilers with him. He came from a great family and has left a great family. He gave of himself fully to his clients and to his associates. Words cannot describe him, his personality, his intellect, his contributions to those fortunate to have been in his presence. There was and is none as he was.

Seymour Kurtz

Stephanie (Clark) Phillips

October 5, 2006

I was Frank's secretary in the late '60s when he and Jerry Werksman and Joe (Joey G) Garlovski shared office space on LaSalle. Frank was a lawyer extraordinare, an impeccable and elegant dresser, so natty, and one who loved--and knew--the law! I learned so much from him and we remained friends even though he once fired me (the nerve!)...but rehired me... And I've been fortunate to see and spend time with him and Andree in Florida (for which he expressed much disdain: never at a loss for words!). My life has been richer for having Frank and Andree in it, and I'll miss him sorely.

Al Scarnavack

October 5, 2006

I had the distinct privilege of knowing Frank Oliver when I was a young Assistant State's Attorney in the 1970's. Frank was always a gentleman and was already a legend. I held people like him in awe. He was truly one of the greats of our time. I consider it a privilege to have known him as a person and lawyer. My sympathy to his family. People like Frank Oliver can not be replaced. Al Scarnavack, Attorney at Law & former Assistant State's Attorney, Cook County, Illinois

David Cywin

October 5, 2006

Dear Marcus, We were very sorry to hear of your father's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. It's been a long time. Hope this finds you well. Please give us a call at 630-773-1035. We would love to hear from you. Love, David and Linda Cywin

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