John Nesper’s mother, a librarian, went to UB. Nesper, an only child, went to Amherst High School. UB was an affordable choice for college, and his girlfriend, now wife, suggested law school. He worked most of the time, attending the Eagle Street campus beginning in 1952. Dean Jacob Hyman taught Constitutional Law, which he struggled to pass. Professor Albert Mugel was humorous. Professor Clyde Summers was an excellent teacher. Nesper did not believe that academic success guaranteed professional success. “Law school challenges prepare one for practice,” he said.

Nesper took a local government course, from attorney David Diamond, that had a profound impact on his career. After a lengthy interview with a municipal legal counsel, he received a clerkship offer from the Davis, McGelvin & Potter firm. In summers, he delivered milk to pay his law school tuition. Drafted into the Navy after law school, he served for two years. Lee Davis then offered him a position as deputy town attorney.

Soon afterward, part of the University at Buffalo was relocated to the Town of Amherst, which came as a surprise to Nesper and the Amherst Town Board. “Rockefeller dropped a huge surprise,” he said. Development corporations such as the UDC wanted to build housing, and two school districts were involved—Sweet Home and Williamsville. Neither was consulted. The State Legislature decided not to fund the UDC’s plans and their program never materialized. Also, wetlands law had to be taken into consideration. As town attorney, Nesper had to negotiate all of this. “It was a very interesting experience,” he said.

He retired after 35 years. His granddaughter was recently admitted to the bar. His advice: Do the best you can, work hard and be honest.

Born Jan. 19, 1932—Died Jan. 19, 2024