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It seems like every television show or movie involving a lawyer shows a close relationship with the lawyer’s private investigator. Possibly, this provides the context for my deep sadness in the passing of my good friend Tony Liace on August 3, 2024.
I spoke with Tony multiple times a week and usually went through investigations in person at least once a week. I still cannot believe that he will not be sitting across my desk in the early morning hours as we have done for over 20 years together. Tony and I were a perfect match. We only saw the world one way, the same way. Working hard and doing right by everyone, including family and close friends, are the most important people in the world. In the high-pressure, high-stress occupation Tony and I worked together, it is a marvel we never had words with each other even once. Anyone who ever said anything to me about Tony only told me what an awesome person he was and how lucky I was to have him by my side. There is no question how true this is and what a profound loss Tony is in my life. The day before this year’s Bud Billiken Parade, my wife and I attended a private memorial service with Tony’s family. An honor his family gave to me, which I will always cherish. The importance of the Parade taking place the next day I contemplated in mourning at the funeral home. I assisted Tony with a legal matter when we started working together. This case made me understand that Tony was no regular person.
In 1982, a double murder occurred in the grandstands of the Chicago public pool by the Parade. It’s a very complex story involving a conviction, exoneration, and 30-plus years of legal work. Typical for Tony, he volunteered for overtime and was assigned a partner he did know outside his usual District. Also typical for Tony, he jumped from the squad car and ran towards the pool, where he heard shots fired. Running away and into Tony was the person perceived as the shooter. Possibly one of the biggest cases of the era involved the who’s who list of law professionals, and there was Tony directly at the heart of it.
There was nobody Tony did not know, and there was no situation he was not confident to handle. Both personally and professionally, this is a loss that is only cathartic by writing to the world. My saving grace is that Tony’s wife and son have worked with me for what also seems like a lifetime. Tony’s character, kindness, and pursuit of excellence are embodied with them and hold me professionally in good stead and with thoughts I hold dear of a great friend and great person.
- Howard
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