Local attorney Harold “Hal” M. Hanna, 70, passed away on Monday, January 30, 2017 following a five-year challenge with ALS.
Hanna enjoyed the general practice of law for 45 years with his father Martin and brothers Shad and Drew. During law school he worked for the Legal Aid Bureau in Chicago and upon graduation returned to Bowling Green where he continued to practice until his death.
A lifelong resident of Bowling Green, Hanna represented landowners throughout northern Ohio in over 700 suits involving highway, pipeline and utility appropriations. He successfully prosecuted one of a very few class action appropriations in Ohio.
For 16 years Hanna also represented the largest emergency response environmental remediation firm east of the Mississippi requiring litigation in 19 states from St. Louis to New York City, Philadelphia and Miami, Florida.
Hanna was a member of the Wood County, Toledo, Ohio State and American Bar Associations and frequently lectured on eminent domain and other appropriation proceedings in Ohio and at the annual meeting of the American Bar Association. Hanna was a life fellow of the Ohio State Bar Foundation and a recipient of its Award of Merit.
Hanna served on the boards of several civic organizations and was especially supportive of the Wood County District Public Library and the Bowling Green Parks. In 2003 Hanna co-chaired the campaign to renovate the public library.
For many years he also enjoyed competitive running in 10K races and marathons. He was an adventuresome traveler and avid lover of music.
Hanna is survived by his wife Linda, Bowling Green; daughter Elizabeth (Rory) Whaley and granddaughter Reese of Maryland; sons James (Robin Fischer) and Alex (Hanna Sterba) of Chicago; brother Drew and sister Caryl McCormick.
He was preceded in death by his parents and older brother Shad.
In lieu of a public funeral service, those wishing to make a memorial contribution to celebrate Hal’s life should consider donating to the Wood County District Public Library (251 N. Main St.) or the Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Foundation (1291 Conneaut Ave).
