Mark Joseph Stanziano, one of the most powerful and prominent names in legal defense for the state of Kentucky, died suddenly on Friday, June 27, 2014. He was 57.
Stanziano, was known as a fierce defender who wasn’t afraid to take on high-profile, high-publicity cases. He was a seasoned attorney who served the public for over 30 years. He began his definitive path with a bachelor’s degree in economics from Ohio State University in 1979 and his law degree from Louis D. Brandeis School of Law at the University of Louisville in 1982.
After graduation Stanziano practiced law in both the state of Ohio and Minnesota, where he also served as a public defender. He returned to Kentucky in 2008, opening a law office in Somerset and later a satellite office in Columbia in 2010 with his wife Bethany. He also acted as capital conflict counsel for the Department of Public Advocacy in Kentucky.
Stanziano had served as president of the Kentucky Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and was the group’s youngest recipient to be honored with its Frank E. Haddad, Jr. Award for criminal defense work in Kentucky in 2000. He remained a board member until the time of his death. He was also a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys.
In 2013, Stanziano was named one of the top 100 trial attorneys in Kentucky by the National Trial Lawyers for exemplifying superior qualifications as a criminal defense trial lawyer. He shared those skills each year by schooling students in the art of trial at the National Association of Criminal Defense and Public Defenders and at the Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy trial practice institute.
He was a nationally-known speaker, as well as a published author on criminal law topics and criminal defense trial advocacy.
In his spare time Stanziano enjoyed gardening and landscaping with his wife, Bethany. He was an avid baseball card collector and collected unique chess sets. He loved reading and spending time with his three dachshunds. His joy, however, was the time spent with his children and grandchildren.
Stanziano was born to the late Dominic and Beatrice Stanziano on April 22, 1957 in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. He is survived by his step mother, Elaine Stanziano.
He is survived by his wife, Bethany Lane Stanziano. Also surviving are four daughters: Alexandra (Matthew Cox) of Somerset, Kathryn (Cody Graham) of Grand Forke, ND, Beatrice of Port Clinton, Ohio and Mallarie Catron of Somerset.
His memories will be cherished by four grandchildren: Alison, Seth and Aidan Haynes and Bailey Cox, all of Somerset. He also leaves behind his goddaughter Kenzie Reeder of Independence, Ky.
Also surviving are five siblings: Rochelle Catt of Tampa, Fla., Matthew Stanziano of Columbus, Ohio, Mitchell Stanziano of Tampa, Fla., Julie (Kurt) Foglesong of Independence, Ky. and Robert Root of Columbus, Ohio.
Willard and Sandra Morgan, Columbia, Ky., father and mother-in-law, also mourn his loss.
Friends are invited to a visitation held on Monday, June 30 beginning at 6 p.m. EST and on Tuesday, July 1 beginning at 8 a.m. EST, at Southern Oaks Funeral Home, 2110 West Highway 914, Somerset, Ky.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 1 at 3 p.m. EST.
Honorary pallbearers are Jim Cox, Kurt Foglesong, Brenda Popplewell, Jennifer Thomas and Tera Clemmons.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation has been chosen.
In lieu of flower, the family asks that donations be made to the American Heart Association or the Alzheimer’s Association.
Southern Oaks Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Guest registry and condolences can be left at www.southernoaksfuneralhome.com.