Attorney Harry John Sterling, originally from Belleville, is remembered for his 45-year career and commitment to his clients.
Sterling, 77, died at his home in Lexington, Kentucky, on Jan. 3.
“His memory will be kept alive in a manner befitting his life - heartfelt storytelling,” his obituary states. “He will be remembered as an impassioned orator and raconteur, whether in the courtroom or at the dinner table; a lover of all things sweet (particularly jelly bellies); a voracious reader, easily finishing multiple murder mysteries in a week; an outdoorsman with an affinity for every sunset he could get his eyes on; and a proud, proud father of his three children, whom in his eyes could do no wrong and whose accomplishments tired the ears of all his friends.”
He worked as an appellate, eminent domain and real estate attorney. He represented landowners and family farms in their eminent domain cases involving the expansion of Interstate 255, MetroLink, Mid-America Airport, and Frank Scott Parkway, among others.
Sterling also served as a special assistant attorney general in Illinois from 1973-1983.
He was a member of the American Trial Lawyers Association, the American Bar Association, the Illinois State Bar Association and the St. Clair County Bar Association, serving as president from 2000-2001.
Sterling was recognized in the Best Lawyers edition of St. Louis Magazine.
He instructed many continuing education courses, lecturing for the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, Illinois State Bar Association, Illinois Trial Lawyers Association and the Illinois Institute for Local Government Law. He also authored articles for the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education.
Sterling was dedicated to academics and education, serving as a professor of business and public law at Webster College from 1975-1977.
Sterling was born on July 8, 1945, in Belleville. According to his obituary, he was an Eagle Scout during his youth and lived out their values: trustworthiness, loyalty, helpfulness, curiosity, kindness, obedience, cheer, thriftiness, courage and reverence.
He was a member of the Order of DeMolay and a recipient of the Degrees of Chevalier and Legion of Honor, as well as the DeMolay of the Year Award. He served as a local and state master councilor.
Sterling served as president of the Consistory of the O’Fallon United Church of Christ, where he had been a member since 2000. He was also a member of the Westside Optimist Club and was president of the O’Fallon Optimist Club.
Sterling graduated from Belleville Township High School in 1963, where he was president of the senior class.
Sterling graduated from Belleville Junior College, where he received the Generation of Success Award for his studies and service to his community. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Illinois in 1966 and a Juris Doctor from the Chicago-Kent College of Law in 1969.
During his time in law school, Sterling received the American Jurisprudence Award for his studies in criminal law and was inducted to the Bar and Gavel Society.
Sterling is survived by his wife of 43 years, Glenda, daughter Melissa Ann Sterling, sons Harry John (Michelle Allen) Sterling, Jr. and Zachary (Alyssa Iwinski) Mohr Sterling, and granddaughters Mollyanna Sterling Keim and Zoe Allen-Sterling.
“We will love and miss him all the days of our lives,” Sterling’s obituary states.