Robert Jay Attaway

Robert J. Attaway (Bob), age 77, of Naples, Florida, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2017, after a long struggle with Parkinson's Disease. He left this world while holding his wife's hand, one day after celebrating their 56th wedding anniversary.

Born in Flint, Michigan, Bob's love of learning led him into the field of law. After receiving his undergraduate degree from Michigan State University, Bob furthered his education at Vanderbilt University, where he received his Juris Doctor, and at Wayne State University, where he received his Master of Law in Labor. Early in Bob's career, he worked for the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Department of Labor. He then found his specialty in maritime labor law, and began a decades-long association with Sea-Land Services, until the company dissolved in 1999. Most recently, he was a Partner at Lambos & Junge, in New York City. He had also been a Partner at the New York City Firms Haight, Gardner, Poor, and Havens and a Partner at Finley, Kumble, Wagner, Heine, Underberg, Manley, Myerson & Casey. He was also a founding Partner at Barlow & Attaway, with offices in Princeton, New Jersey, and Los Angeles, California. Bob was admitted to the courts in Florida, New York, New Jersey, and Michigan, as well as several U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals. He was also admitted to the Supreme Court of the United States, and one of the highlights of his career was arguing a case in front of that esteemed institution. He retired with his wife to Naples, Florida, in 2002.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Rilla, his two daughters, Pamela Westwood (Edward), and Linda Burke (Paul) and five grandchildren: Natalie Burke, Matthew Sabin, Christian Burke, Andrea Sabin, and Simon Burke.

Bob was a soft-spoken man with a fierce intellect, warm smile, and a quick-witted sense of humor. He was a history buff extraordinaire, and always seemed to know the answer to any question posed on that topic. He valued the importance of education, and instilled that into each and every member of his family. Retirement provided Bob the opportunity to relax while golfing, swimming, biking, or walking his dogs. He also never stopped learning, and was an avid reader, always making sure to keep himself up-to-date on current events around the world. More than anything, however, Bob was a man who loved and lived for his family. He was a dedicated, loving father who taught his daughters the importance of strength, independence, character, and compassion.

Visitation 10:30AM until time of prayer service 11:30AM Thursday, September 7, 2017 at Hodges Funeral Home at Naples Memorial Gardens, 525 111th Avenue North, Naples, Florida, 34108.

His wife and family would like to thank all those who have been with and supported Bob through his journey. We cannot thank you enough for your support.