Dana Charles Contratto

Dana Charles Contratto passed away of natural causes at his home on Long Beach Island, NJ on July 7, 2014. His three sons, Justin, Jordan and Travis, his grandson, Elias and Daune, his beloved wife of 41 years were all with him. Dana was born on June 21, 1947 in Peoria, Illinois to Jay and Dye Contratto. Dana grew up in Aurora, IL., with his kid sister, Lisa. As a youth he was a member of the Pike Street Pirates. A feared street-gang known for smoking cigarettes in tree houses and careening around the neighborhood cul-de-sacs on their bikes. Dana graduated from Aurora High School and went on to receive a B.S. from the University of Southern Illinois. In 1973 he received his J.D. from Washington University in St. Louis. While in law school he was editor-in-chief of the Urban Law Annual. Following law school, Dana moved to Washington D.C. with his wife, Daune. He clerked for Judge Edward Tamm the chief judge of the United States Court of Appeals District of Columbia Circuit. In 1976 Dana entered private practice with Morgan, Lewis andBockius, then later with Jones Day before leaving to become a founding partner with Crowell and Moring, LLP where he headed the firm's Energy Group and International Dispute Resolution. During his 40-year legal career Dana had a diverse and expansive practice. He worked extensively as a lobbyist, lawyer and legal counsel around the globe and was widely respected by all in his field. More importantly, he was a dedicated father who never missed a game and an avid - and successful - fisherman. He is survived by his loving wife, Daune McDevitt, his three children Justin (Polixene) , Jordan and Travis (listed in order of height) his father, W.R. "Dye" Contratto, his sister, Lisa Dickinson, and his grandson, Elias Contratto. Notorious outlaw and straight-talker Dana Contratto has left us in peace. We will never quite be able to fill the void. Relatives and friends are invited to call at Joesph Gawler's Sons, Inc., 5130 Wisconsin Avenue, NW (corner of Harrison Street) Washington DC on Friday July 11 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Services will be held at National Presbyterian Church, 4101 Nebraska Ave., NW, Washington, DC on Saturday, July 12 at 11 a.m.

Memorial Donations may be made to Beach Haven First Aid Squad.

A volunteer non-profit organization serving the residents and visitors of Beach Haven, Long Beach Township and Ship Bottom Tax ID No. 23-7130834

Charitable Registration No. CH1902300

Duns # 020784732

Tax-Deductible donations are much-needed and greatly appreciated! Only through the generosity of those we serve can we continue to offer the highest level of pre-hospital emergency medical care at no cost to those we treat.

Checks may be made out to BHFAS and mailed to:

PO Box 1291 - Beach Haven, NJ 08008

http://www.bhfas.com/home/supportus.html

Arrangements under the direction of Joseph Gawler's Sons LLC, Washington, DC.