BUFFALO, N.Y. — The sudden death of local and national attorney Steve Barnes was another hard hit in 2020.

"We were all devastated," said Paul Cambria, a fellow attorney. "Steve was a wonderful person. He was a great asset to the community, wonderful family man, business person, philanthropist."

What You Need To Know

  • Attorney Steve Barnes, of Cellino and Barnes, died in a plane crash on Friday

  • A female relative was also in the plane; she died as well

  • Barnes is remembered as a philanthropist, family, and business man

Cambria, who also represented Barnes on occasion, found out about his friend dying in the two-person plane crash in Genesee County shortly before the news broke Friday.

"He was a great benefactor, great philanthropist. That will be something... different now that he's gone," noted Cambria.

Barnes was a well-known attorney in Buffalo, but also in California, where Cambria says, there's been a Barnes firm for a long time.

"The one unique thing is, he had a great support staff and people who were involved at all levels... no doubt in my mind that the firm will continue not only here in Buffalo, but in Cali and NYC as well," he said. 

Many knew Barnes from the catchy "Cellino and Barnes" jingle... and their very public legal separation.

Cambria, who was hired by Barnes for that case though it never went to trial, says despite Cellino and Barnes' fall out, the two were still professional.

"They did not wish either one ill as a result...it's too bad it didn't work out, but they parted friendly," explained Cambria.

A family and businessman who cared about the community.

A very sad day, in an already more than difficult year.