Class Notes

1950-1959

1960-1969

Samuel B. Vavonese L'64 passes away

Samuel B. Vavonese L'64 of Hollywood Beach, FL passed away on August 25, 2026. Mr. Vavonese was born and raised in Syracuse New York and resided there until retirement in 1999. He was educated in Syracuse and was a graduate of the John A. Nichols Grammar School, Blessed Sacrament Junior High School, Christian Brothers Academy High School, and Lemoyne College, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Relations. He earned his Juris Doctor degree at the Syracuse University College of Law. He served in the U.S. Army in 1956 and 1957 and performed his military duties at the Pentagon. Prior to commencing the practice of law, Mr. Vavonese was employed by Wilson's Leading Jewelers, American Airlines, The Automobile Club of Syracuse, and the Travelers Insurance Company. Following his admission to practice law, he became an Associate in the firm of Costello, Cooney & Fearon, then served for seven years as an Onondaga County Assistant District Attorney. He subsequently joined the firm of McDonough, Digby & Connelly, and thereafter became a solo practitioner where he not only engaged in the practice of all areas of the law, including litigation and appeals, but also served as the Public Administrator of Onondaga County for twelve years, an appointed position of the Surrogate's Court. Samuel B. Vavonese L'64

1970-1979

William J. Fitzpatrick, Jr. '74, L'76 to be celebrated at annual OCBA dinner

For fifty years, one name has been synonymous with the pursuit of justice in Onondaga County: District Attorney William J. Fitzpatrick, Jr. '74, L'76. The Onondaga County Bar Association is proud to recognize his extraordinary career with the 2026 Distinguished Lawyer Award.

A law clerk at nineteen, the youngest Chief Assistant District Attorney in the office's history at age thirty, and District Attorney since 1992, Fitzpatrick has built a legacy that extends far beyond any single case. His work in the Waneta Hoyt investigation brought national attention to infant homicide and transformed its understanding in courts across the country. His commitment to justice was equally evident in his decision to reexamine a decades-old conviction, leading to the 2021 exoneration of a man who had spent sixteen years in prison for a crime he did not commit. Most recently, Governor Kathy Hochul appointed him as special prosecutor in one of New York's most significant criminal cases, reflecting the confidence placed in his integrity and judgment.

Kevin M. Gilligan L'79 passes away

Kevin M. Gilligan L'79 passed away on September 16, 2026 at the age of 76. Born in Glens Falls, Kevin was raised in Corinth and Syracuse before making his home in LaFayette in 1994. He was a graduate of CBA High School in 1968 and received his bachelor's degree in political science from Hobart College and his law degree from Syracuse University in 1979.

Kevin was an attorney for 41 years, retiring in 2020 as senior partner at Costello, Cooney & Fearon PLLC. He was also the recipient of the U.S. Congressional Angels in Adoption Award.

Deeply committed to his community, Kevin served as president of the Onondaga County Planning Federation and as an Onondaga County legislator. He was also a member of the West End Republican Club, the Syracuse Polish Home, and the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

1980-1989

Laurence "Larry" G. Bousquet L'80 featured in The Post-Standard

Larry Bousquet L'80, founding member of Bousquet Holstein PLLC, was featured in the September 13, 2026 edition of The Post-Standard. Larry Bousquet L'80 on leadership

The Hon. Deborah J. Karalunas L'82 to be celebrated at annual OCBA dinner

The Honorable Deborah H. Karalunas

Justice of the New York State Supreme Court and District Administrative Judge of the Fifth Judicial District, The Honorable Deborah H. Karalunas L'82 has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Distinguished Jurist Award, one of the Association's highest honors.

For more than four decades, Justice Karalunas has exemplified the finest traditions of the legal profession through her service as a litigator, jurist, educator, mentor, and judicial leader. Since her election to the Supreme Court in 2002, she has earned widespread respect for her integrity, scholarship, fairness, and unwavering commitment to the administration of justice. In 2023, she became the first woman appointed Administrative Judge of the Fifth Judicial District, where she oversees court operations across six counties. Beyond the bench, she has strengthened the profession through leadership in bar associations, teaching at Syracuse University College of Law, mentoring generations of lawyers and judges, and advancing access to justice throughout New York.

1990-1999

Suzanne O. Galbato L'98 to be recognized by CNYWBA

Suzanne O. Galbato L'98, General Counsel at Bond, Schoeneck & King, will be recognized at the Central New York Women's Bar Association's 44th Annual Judicial Reception on October 6th as this year's Karen DeCrow winner.

Jeffrey N. Saviano L'92 to publish book

Jeffrey N. Saviano L'92 Senior Lecturer, MIT Sloan School of Management | Business AI Ethics Research Leader, Harvard University Edmond & Lily Safra Center for Ethics | President, Saviano Ventures, LLC to publish book on AI strategy, governance, and ethics. The book, Boundaries of Tolerance will be published by Wiley this October. More information is available on the book webpage.

2000-2009

John P. Brennan '03, L'06 appointed principal court attorney

John P. Brennan '03, L'06 was appointed Principal Court Attorney in Chemung County Court. He previously served as the County's conflict defender at the Public Advocate's Office since 2014, and assistant at the office since 2006

2010-2019

Kayla A. Arias L'15 will be recognized by CNY's 40 under Forty

Kayla A. Arias L'15, Counsel at Barclay Damon LLP in Syracuse, NY will be recognized by Central New York's 40 Under Forty at their award ceremony on October 6, 2026. Kayla concentrates her practice on commercial litigation. She is a member of the NDNY FCBA, Barclay Damon's Women's Forum, and is Co-Chair of the Onondaga County Diversity & Inclusion Committee. 

2020-Present