Obituary: Philip Magner Jr.

Philip Magner Jr., 87, formerly of Longboat Key and Buffalo, N.Y., died Dec. 9.

Born May 18, 1927, in Buffalo, N.Y., Mr. Magner graduated from the University of Buffalo Law School after serving in the Navy during World War II.

Mr. Magner served as a lawyer for 65 years, and his trial practice concentrated on the representation of victims of serious personal injury and wrongful death. As a pioneer in medical malpractice cases, he became so unpopular with many members of the medical profession that he was once admitted to a Buffalo-area hospital under an assumed name.

Mr. Magner was elected by his peers to the American College of Trial Lawyers and was also listed in “Best Lawyers of America” from the date of its first publication until his retirement more than 25 years later at age 76.

Mr. Magner is survived by his wife of 54 years, Monica; sons Steven and Daniel, both of Sarasota; and three grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Dec. 20, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Sarasota, 2506 Gulf Gate Drive.