John J. Lombard Jr. of Upper Gwynedd, a prominent lawyer and longtime Philadelphia Museum of Art advisor, died on November 4 aged 85, writes Bonnie L. Cook for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Lombard graduated from La Salle College High School in Wyndmoor in 1952 before earning his bachelor’s degree from La Salle University four years later and a J.D. degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1959.

He served as a partner in several prominent Philadelphia law firms before taking the job as special senior counsel at McCarter & English LLP’s Philadelphia branch in 2000. He retired three years ago.

One of Lombard’s greatest passions was the Philadelphia Museum of Art and its well-being. Over the years, he worked closely with museum directors, curators, conservators, and administrators on various legal issues.

His contributions to the field of art law were extraordinary, said Gail Harrity, president of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

“But he also had a true passion for art, for the museum’s collection, and he nurtured many deep friendships with museum staff, which we will remember most,” she added.

Read more about John J. Lombard Jr. at The Philadelphia Inquirer by clicking here.