Donald G. Rehkopf, Jr., a long-time and much respected military justice practitioner, passed away in Rochester, NY, on January 29, at age 74. He was a contributor to Global Military Justice Reform. Here is his obituary:
Predeceased by his parents, Donald and Elizabeth; sister, Donna (Douglas) Bopp. Survived by his brother, David (Lou Anne) Rehkopf; sister, Diane Rehkopf; life partner, Barbara Davies and her children, Kristin Spath and Scott Davies; several nieces and nephews.
Don was an Air Force JAG with 30 years of active and Reserve service, and world-wide experience in all aspects of military and federal security clearance law. In 1985 Don moved from Germany back to Rochester where he practiced in the Violent Felony Bureau of the Monroe County Public Defenders Office before returning to private practice. He tried nearly 250 cases to verdict, argued countless appeals and authored numerous amici curiae briefs in front of the U.S. Supreme Court. Don won numerous awards for his work and was the recipient of the 2005 Thurgood Marshall Award. He was a frequent Legal continuing education lecturer and author, including as a Social Justice Lecturer at the William Jewitt Tucker Center, Dartmouth College. Don's family and friends celebrate his incredible career and his influential life, while knowing he was so much more than that. He will be dearly missed by his colleagues and loved ones.
A Graveside Ceremony with Military Honors at Bath National Cemetery and a Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. Please check the website for updated service times. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Don's memory to Planned Parenthood or the American Cancer Society.
Don was a defense attorney to the very core.
Don was generous with his time, helpful, and a wonderful writer and colleague.
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