In Loving Memory of Dennis Wilcox
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our friend and colleague, Dennis R. Wilcox. Dennis earned his Bachelor of Arts degree, cum laude, from The Ohio State University in 1974 and remained a proud Buckeye and active alumnus throughout the course of his life. In 1977, Dennis graduated from the Case Western Reserve University School of Law, where he was awarded the Order of the Coif.
After graduating law school, Dennis embarked on a long and illustrious career in the legal profession, practicing primarily in the areas of public finance, governmental law, bankruptcy and creditors’ rights, securities and real estate transactions, and commercial litigation. Over the course of his over 40-year career, he served as outside legal counsel to the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority, Gateway Economic Development Corporation of Greater Cleveland, and the Blanchard Valley Port Authority. In the public finance sector, Dennis acted as bond, underwriter’s, or issuer’s counsel in over $10 billion in financings. The impact of his work can be seen throughout Northeast Ohio, including such iconic facilities as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, the Gateway Sports Complex including Progressive Field and the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, the Cleveland Browns Stadium, The 9 Hotel, and the Flats East Bank development projects.
Dennis’ devotion to his clients was only exceeded by his devotion to his wife Shelley and his two children, that he raised in his adopted home of Cleveland Heights, where he served as a member of City Council for 15 years including acting as President of Council and Mayor. His commitment to community was further demonstrated by his active participation in the Democratic Party, including sitting on the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party Executive Committee.
Dennis’ wise counsel will be missed throughout the Northeast Ohio legal community. What we will miss the most, however, is the friendship and mentorship he provided to anyone fortunate enough to know him. On behalf of the firm and all those who knew Dennis, we thank him for his unparalleled devotion to making the world a better place, whether for his clients, his community, or his friends and family. Dennis’ legacy will live on through those he knew and loved over the years.
