Login | January 23, 2025
Mahoning Cty. attorney and educator Thomas Infante remembered
SHERRY KARABIN
Legal News Reporter
Published: January 23, 2025
A dedicated and skillful attorney, Thomas Edward Infante entered the legal profession a little later in life, developing a reputation as a problem solver who always looked out for his clients’ best interests while adhering to the highest ethical standards, said his former law partner Lou D’Apolito, a retired Mahoning County Common Pleas Court judge.
“Tom represented everything that is good about the practice of law,” said D’Apolito, who currently serves as a deputy law director for the city of Youngstown. “He loved what he did and was very good at it. He was meticulous and patient when dealing with clients, taking the time to explain the process and help them traverse the difficult times in their lives.
“He was also a very good friend who I could rely on,” said D’Apolito. “To me the name Tom Infante is synonymous with the words integrity and character.”
On Nov. 18, 2024 Infante passed away at his home at the age of 85.
“He was a very good father,” said his eldest child Renee Infante, a lawyer in Cincinnati. “Despite how hard he worked he always made time for his family.
“We never came in second,” she said. “My father attended my brother’s baseball and basketball games and came to my choir concerts and other school events.
“He made sure we had the tools to make the most of every opportunity that came our way,” said Renee.
His son, Thomas F. Infante, said his father was “a positive role model,” demonstrating what one could achieve if willing to put in the effort.
“My dad changed careers and was very successful,” said Tom. “He wasn’t afraid to take chances and he passed that on to his children. I learned that from him and it made me unafraid to try different things.
“I had the opportunity to play minor league baseball and have been in the pharmaceutical industry for 30-plus years,” said Tom. “My dad believed good things could happen if you put the work in.
“He was a very good father and he was always very supportive of me,” said Tom.
Born in Youngstown on June 4, 1939, he was the youngest of the late Anthony and Teresa Simeo Infante’s six children.
Both parents emigrated to the U.S. from Bagnoli Irpino, Italy.
His family said Infante embraced his Italian heritage carrying on his parents’ values of hard work and perseverance throughout his life.
After graduating from East High School in 1957, he enlisted in the U.S. Army serving in the Army Security Agency and studying Russian at the Army Language School before being deployed to Europe.
Upon being honorably discharged from the Army, Infante returned to Youngstown earning his bachelor’s degree from Youngstown University (now Youngstown State University) and a master’s degree in education from Westminster College in Pennsylvania.
Infante began his career as a teacher and basketball coach at East High School.
He also taught at the Stambaugh School and later became an assistant principal at Lincoln School and then the principal of Roosevelt School.
Prior to earning his juris doctor from The University of Akron School of Law, he pursued postgraduate studies at Kent State University.
Infante entered the legal profession in 1972 initially sharing office space with criminal defense attorney George E. Kalafut and his brother, former Struthers Municipal Court Judge Robert J. Kalafut (both deceased).
He then served as a partner at D’Apolito, Infante, Huberman & Gentile for many years.
Afterward, Infante again became a solo practitioner, primarily focusing on probate matters.
He also served as judge of the Struthers Municipal Court when Judge Kalafut was away.
Mahoning County Probate Court Judge Robert N. Rusu Jr. described Infante as “a gentleman,” who was always prepared and respectful toward the court.
“I knew Tom from bar association events before I took the bench in 2014, but we never had any cases together,” said Judge Rusu.
“He was very supportive of me when I decided to run for judge,” said Judge Rusu. “I found him to be a skillful probate practitioner. He had a good reputation in the Mahoning County legal community.
“He was well liked by his clients, the bar and the judiciary,” said Judge Rusu. “He was very enjoyable to work with and be around. If he gave you his word, he would always follow through. He was truly a lawyer’s lawyer.”
A longtime member and former president of the Mahoning County Bar Association, Infante served as legal counsel for the Mahoning County Children Services board for over three decades.
He was also president of the Mahoning County Bar Association Foundation and the Poland Board of Education.
Additionally, he was a referee/hearing officer for the Ohio Department of Education and a past president of the D&E Clinic where children with mental health issues were evaluated and diagnosed.
In 2009 the Mahoning County Bar Association presented him with the Professionalism Award.
When he wasn’t working, Infante enjoyed gardening and was reportedly very proud of his rose and vegetable gardens, sharing the harvests with family and friends.
He also traveled to Ireland and other locations with his wife, Elizabeth “Betsy” Joyce Rappach.
Infante’s other interests included sports, golf and British television shows.
He also loved animals and his black cats were said to be constant companions.
Infante was laid to rest with military honors on Nov. 25, 2024 at Green Haven Memorial Gardens in Austintown.
He is survived by his wife Betsy; his children Renee Infante of Cincinnati, Thomas Infante of Cold Spring, Kentucky, John (Sara) Rappach of Youngstown and Laura Carlini of Youngstown; grandchildren Taylor (Vincent) DePascale of Pittsburgh, Alexander Infante of West Virginia and Gianella Infante of Cold Spring, Kentucky; great-grandchild Loumano DePascale; his sister Ann Mancini of Youngstown and his brother Anthony (Ginny) Infante of Canfield.
His parents, brothers Dominic and infant Thomas, his sister Mary Louise Walker and his brother-in-law Dan Mancini all preceded him in death.