Christopher D. Stanley

Christopher Danahy Stanley, 73, of Shaker Heights died peacefully on September 2, 2024.

Chris was born in Buffalo, NY on September 23, 1950 to John Gill Stanley and Mary Louise (Georger) Stanley. He was a graduate of the Nichols School, The University of Vermont, and Cleveland Marshall College of Law.

During his legal career, Chris worked for social justice while defending the abused and disadvantaged. He argued in front of the United States Supreme Court twice and the Ohio State Supreme Court seven times. Highlights of his career include defending social justice protestors at Kent State, defending women’s self-defense clients, and defending the right to free speech. He continued his advocacy into his retirement where he volunteered at Club 24 during his 23 years of sobriety and also at the Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland.

Chris is survived by a sister, Chelsea Kehde (John) of Sedalia, MO, a brother F. Peter Stanley of Buffalo, NY and was predeceased by his brother John (Mary Louise) Stanley of Buffalo, NY. In addition, he was the beloved fun uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Chris is also survived by his daughter Nadia Greenhalgh-Stanley (Shawn Rohlin) and her three children. Throughout her life he was the dedicated figure skating dad at the rink at 6am, softball coach, and endless support at all her activities. The grandchildren Madeline Arline, 11, Claire Louise, 9, and Maxwell Danahy, 2, were the love of his life and the focus of his later years. He was a beloved Poppa known to be cheering them on in his bright pink sneakers at every figure skating competition, horseback riding event, and soccer game. He will be greatly missed.

He was a diehard Buffalo Bills and the Ohio State University football fan. We hope the Bills will win the Super Bowl this year to honor his life!

In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Chris’s name to the Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland or Cleveland Rape Crisis center.

The family is collecting fun/special stories of his life to put into a book since Chris was not a funeral type of guy. A small memorial service will be planned at a future date.