Korein Tillery mourns the loss of our dear friend and former colleague with the passing of S. Korein

Sandor “Sandy” Korein passed away peacefully on September 9, 2018, leaving behind a loving wife, three children, six grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.

Sandy was born on May 5, 1932, in Zalaszengrote, Hungary. The son of an American and a first-generation Hungarian immigrant, his family remained in Hungary for two years before traveling to the United States on the U.S.S Manhattan, arriving in New York City on November 1, 1934. They settled in East St. Louis, where Sandy spent much of his childhood working in his grandparents’ grocery store at the corner of 13th and Division. He went on to attend East St. Louis Senior High School and Washington University in St. Louis, receiving his bachelor’s degree in 1955 and his law degree in 1956. He entered the United States Army upon completion of his studies, serving first at Fort Benning, GA and then at Fort Riley, KS, where he was assigned to the 1st Infantry Division.

Just after his graduation from infantry school and as his legal career was beginning, Sandy married Carolyn Jean Glass in St. Louis on March 31, 1957.

He was admitted to practice law in Missouri and Illinois in 1956 and 1957, respectively. He began his work in compensation law, soon seeking out trial experience by asking other lawyers for those cases they did not want to try. He opened his own office in the First National Bank Building in East St. Louis in 1960, continuing to build a reputation for taking on any challenge.

An avid student and practitioner of maritime law, he tried dozens of cases on behalf of sailors and other maritime workers who had suffered personal injuries during their work, all under the Jones Act. He went on to practice before the United States Courts of Appeal for the Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Circuits and the United States Supreme Court. During the course of his career, Sandy tried to conclusion more than one hundred and fifty civil cases.

The firm continues to strive to serve with the skill, dedication, honor and heart that Sandy demonstrated throughout his practice. He will be deeply missed.