Obituary of Jonathan Fairbanks

Jonathan Fairbanks, 67, of Clifton Park died at St. Peter's Hospice Inn on December 25, 2016. Jonathan was born in Orangeburg, NY to Russell N. Fairbanks and Rachel (Fain) Fairbanks. He received his B.A. in history from Rutgers University in 1973. He graduated from Columbia University's School of Law in 1977. While at Columbia, Jonathan served as editor of the Transnational Law Review and worked at the NAACP Legal Defense Fund assisting with the appeals of inmates' death sentences. Following graduation, Jonathan became a King's County Assistant District Attorney in Brooklyn, NY. During his time with the District Attorney's Office, Jonathan tried more than 150 felony cases, the vast majority of which were in the Homicide and Organized Crime/Rackets Bureaus. He also rose to the position of supervisor of the Organized Crime/Rackets Bureau. In 1987, New York City Mayor Ed Koch appointed Jonathan Deputy Commissioner of the City's Fire Department (FDNY). In that position, Jonathan oversaw the FDNY's legal affairs and served as legal counsel to the Fire Commissioner. In 1990, Jonathan left public service to work in private practice in the areas of personal injury and medical malpractice; most recently at Zwiebel and Fairbanks, LLP. While in private practice, Jonathan successfully obtained multi-million dollar recoveries for individuals, including one matter, which resulted in the highest recorded recovery verdict in Saratoga County. While these career achievements were important to Jonathan, nothing was more important or gave him more pride and joy than his three children, Zachary, Hannah and Sarah Fairbanks. Jonathan treasured his times with them, whether arguing sports, discussing law and ethics, eating a breakfast of avocado and eggs, skiing, sitting on the back porch, going to the movies, giving a reassuring "sure 'nuff" or watching Criminal Minds. Jonathan's love of fishing was unparalleled. On more than one occasion Jonathan was caught speeding on the Northway to go fishing, only avoiding a ticket when stopped by a police officer who was a fellow fishing enthusiast. Jonathan loved Ogunquit, ME where he was seldom seen without fishing gear. Jonathan considered his receipt of a criminal trespassing appearance ticket - in furtherance of his opposition to a group's attempt to impede others' water easement rights in Ogunquit (and his access to a great fishing spot) - as one of his life's finest moments. In addition to his three wonderful children, Jonathan is survived by Alison, his wife of 35 years, his beloved sister Norna F. Fairbanks and her equally beloved wife Maureen Kuhn, brother Russell N. Fairbanks, devoted law practice staff, friends of Bill W., fellow fishermen and condominium friends in Ogunquit, and many others, including the very special James Byrne a/k/a "Jim Bob". Jonathan's family would like to express its deep appreciation to Dr. Charles Weisman and the NYOH Clifton Park staff for their care and treatment of him, the St. Peter's Hospital staff for their treatment of him and kindness to the family following his hospitalization, and the devoted hospice staff who made his final days so peaceful for him and the family. A celebration of Jonathan's life will be held on Wednesday, January 4, 2017, at the Century House in Latham from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Anyone wishing to remember Jonathan is asked to make a donation in his memory to either the St. Peter's Hospice Inn, 315 South Manning Boulevard, Albany, NY 12208 or Reel Recovery, a fly fishing and support program for men battling cancer, 160 Brookside Road, Needham, MA 02492.