Tully Rinckey honors former managing partner Donald Chesworth

Tully Rinckey PLLC is mourning former Managing Partner Donald O. Chesworth Jr., who died June 23 at age 84 after a career that spanned law enforcement, public service and private practice. The firm says his leadership shaped its culture and left a lasting mark on the Rochester legal community.

Why it matters: - Donald O. Chesworth Jr. was a longtime legal and public-service figure whose career touched the FBI, New York State Police, Monroe County government and private practice. - Tully Rinckey says Chesworth helped define the firm's culture of professionalism, service and mentorship. - His death removes a prominent Rochester civic leader with deep ties to law enforcement, legal institutions and community organizations.

What happened: - Tully Rinckey PLLC announced the death of former Managing Partner Donald O. Chesworth Jr., who died peacefully on June 23, 2026, at age 84. - Chesworth built a legal career spanning more than five decades. - He was a Yale Law School graduate. - His career included service as an FBI Special Agent, Monroe County District Attorney, Superintendent of the New York State Police and co-founder of Harris & Chesworth. - The firm and several leaders described him as a mentor, trusted leader and friend.

The details: - Greg Rinckey, founding partner of Tully Rinckey PLLC, said Chesworth's life was defined by service to clients, the community and the legal profession. - Michael Macomber, chief executive officer of Tully Rinckey PLLC, said Chesworth helped shape the firm's culture of excellence, professionalism and service. - Anthony Kuhn, managing partner at Tully Rinckey PLLC, said Chesworth led with strength and compassion and regularly shared his knowledge with others. - Chesworth remained active in Rochester civic life through service on groups including the Monroe County Chiefs of Police Association, the Humane Society of Rochester, the New York State Trooper Foundation, Crime Stoppers, LifeSpan and the Rochester Community Boating Foundation. - Chesworth was an avid sailor, spent time aboard his sailboat Independence and served as Commodore of the Rochester Yacht Club. - Chesworth is survived by his wife, Marilyn Schantz-Chesworth; daughters Cynthia Grace Thompson and Deborah Kathryn Bardeen; son Donald O. Chesworth III; and five grandchildren.

Between the lines: - The firm's statements frame Chesworth less as a former executive and more as a cultural architect whose influence outlasted his tenure. - His mix of law enforcement, prosecution and private practice gave him unusual credibility across multiple corners of Rochester's legal community. - The community board work and yacht club role point to a life rooted in civic involvement beyond the courtroom.

What's next: - Tully Rinckey is expected to continue honoring Chesworth's legacy internally as it carries forward the values he represented. - Rochester legal and civic circles are likely to remember him through the institutions and organizations he helped shape.

The bottom line: - Chesworth left behind a broad legacy of public service, legal leadership and mentorship that Tully Rinckey says will influence the firm for years to come.