Jacob Matthew Slania

Jacob M. Slania passed away April 10, 2016 at the young age of 42. He married his beautiful wife Alexis at Hotel Del Coronado December 23, 2014 and is survived by Alexis and their infant son, Jake. Jacob is also survived by his mother Mary Lou, his brother Andrew Slania and wife Ashley; his in-laws Chuck and Dianne Fingal, his sister-in-law Michelle Riley and husband John, and his nieces and nephews. Jacob was a distinguished high school graduate of Houston Strake Jesuit, and honors college and law school graduate of the University of San Diego. Jacob was an all-conference catcher at the University of San Diego and was selected as the West Coast Conference Male Scholar Athlete of the Year for 1994-1995. Jacob was universally recognized for his intellect, skill, and poise under pressure. Jacob’s professional career led him to a law partnership at the top-level litigation firm, Kirby, Noonan, Lance and Hoge LLP, where he was surrounded by trusted friends and colleagues. Jacob’s professional career also led him into the opportunity to coach championship youth baseball and football teams in the San Diego community. Jacob was fully willing to give his time and effort to tutoring aspiring young athletes without expectation of pay, and regardless of the fact that he did not have a child involved on the teams. Jacob was loved and well-known by a great many who all considered Jake to be among their closest friends. From the baseball fields at USD or PETCO, to tailgating at Chargers games, to the links at Torrey Pines, to the tracks at Del Mar, Jacob spent thousands of hours with his dear friends reminiscing, enjoying life, and counseling his friends as they went through life together. It would be impossible to list all of Jacob’s close friends, suffice to say Jacob treasured his relationships with all those he grew up with in Houston, played baseball with in San Diego, practiced law with, traveled with, shared their weddings, threw bocce ball, or who was willing to engage in a spirited conversation from anything ranging from Oklahoma football to Guns N Roses. Jacob was incredibly proud and transformed by his new family. Jacob dearly loved his wife Alexis and the two enjoyed many wonderful trips together including to Kauai, Yellowstone, and Paris. Jacob’s pride and joy is little Jake who was born October 6, 2015. Jacob spent countless hours playing with his little boy, grooming him to be a fine boy and help to his mother. Jacob also enjoyed many events with Alexis’ family, Chuck and Dianne Fingal, including cherishing fine wines and great family meals. Jacob also loved spending holidays or family gatherings with uncles and aunts, including Greg and Michele, Jerry and Susie, and Ardath. Jacob was predeceased by his close friend and father, Stephen V. Slania. Steve and his wonderful mother Mary Lou raised Jacob to fight through troubles, provide true counsel to family and friends, and take care of those in need. Jacob was born in Cleveland, Ohio and spent his formative years in Houston, Texas. Jacob’s calming demeanor was clear throughout his personal, professional and community life. Jacob’s caring soul provided a positive touch to those he inspired at ball fields, outside barbecues, courthouses, and in the neighborhood. Jacob had trust that by being gracious to others and living his faith that he could find eternal life. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the Jacob Slania Memorial Fund, for the benefit of little Jake Slania, gofundme.com/JacobSlania.