Ross M. Cellino, Sr. ’56

Ross Cellino, Sr.

Ross M. Cellino Sr. ’56 founded the law firm that became Cellino & Barnes, one of the largest personal injury firms in the nation.

About this Interview

Interview Date(s)

May 5, 2009

Occasion

UB Law Alumni Association Annual Dinner and Distinguished Alumni Awards ceremony

Interviewed By

Tasha E. Moore

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About Ross M. Cellino, Sr.

Ross M. Cellino joined Michael Likoudis in 1958 to establish Cellino & Likoudis, later Cellino, Bernstein and Dwyer. For 25 years, he maintained a small office in the Brisbane Building in downtown Buffalo. When the firm moved in 1990, it had a staff of four attorneys.

Although Cellino handled several personal injury clients, his practice focused on real estate, criminal clients, and trusts and estates. He retired at age 59, shortly after one of his sons, Ross Jr., and a new attorney, Stephen E. Barnes, joined the firm.

Another son, Dr. Michael Cellino, noted that his father “was always well-respected in the legal community for his sharp intellect, his quick wit and his charming personality. Having nine children at home, and a wife to support, he rarely turned down a case.”

Ross Cellino Sr. was born in his parents’ home on a small farm near Dunkirk. The son of Michael D. and Rose (Millonzi) Cellino, he was one of four children and was a 1950 graduate of Dunkirk High School, where he was president of the Honor Society, the History League and the Spanish Club and had starring roles in school plays. His yearbook described him as “a born leader” and “always energetic and enthusiastic.”

He enrolled in UB law school in 1954, attending classes by day and working at Bethlehem Steel at night, operating a big cold saw. After he graduated in 1956, he worked briefly as a collection attorney, then as a trial attorney for another firm before establishing his practice.

Born Oct. 10, 1932—Died Jan. 30, 2019

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  • Ross M. Cellino, Sr. ’56
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    Ross M. Cellino Sr. ’56 founded the law firm that became Cellino & Barnes, one of the largest personal injury firms in the nation.