Obituary
John Jeremiah O’Riorden
Feb. 6, 1934-July 17, 2022
Born in Framingham, MA on February 6th 1934 to John Patrick O’Riorden and Dorothy Dutton.
The youngest of two children, John (“Jerry”) was a military brat who eventually turned towards law. Some adventurous moments were at Indian Rock Beach as a boy, fishing and catching oysters, and jumping off of rooftops with his bicycle.
He graduated from Clearwater High and then majored in Business Administration at the University of Florida. He served several years in the Air Force Reserve at Eglin AFB.
After graduating from Stetson Law School, John was one of the first attorneys in Florida to practice workers compensation on a full time basis. He started in St Petersburg and moved to Sarasota in (I think 64 or 65) and was one of the founders of the law firm initially known as Dickinson O’Riorden and Gibbons now know as Dickinson Gibbons. He was a very respected defense attorney through out southwest Florida and his client base ranged from many small to very large insurance companies across the country. He was affectionately referred to as “JJO” by his friends, colleagues, and Judges. Additionally he trained many young lawyers now practicing in the Sarasota area.
Jerry married Marguerite Louise Copes in April of 1967 with a reception at the Far Horizons on Longboat Key.
He and Margie were avid aviation enthusiasts. They experienced nearly every type of airplane and glider, including acrobatic planes. Jerry’s two favorite planes were the Pitts Special and Cessna 310 and 340.
Together they ran a flying business around the state of Florida for many of Jerry’s firm colleagues.
Memorial Service with Military Honors to be held on September 17, 2022 at 10:00AM at the Sarasota National Cemetery.
His older sister, Jeanne, became an astute writer as well as a Master Gardener.
He is survived by two daughters, Laura and Karen Jones.
Flowers are optional. Donations to the Alzheimers Association @ www.alz.org would be much appreciated.
We clashed, we fought, but always quickly forgave.
He loved Margie more than life itself.
Dr. Hollen called him "a true gentleman".
Pyre goodness radiated from his actions.
I know you are at peace now and flying everywhere!!
Love always,
Laura