1958 - The Early Years

Sam Krugliak, a Canton native, graduated from the University of Michigan, A.B., in 1938, and the University of Michigan Law School, J.D., in 1941. He served four years at sea in World War II with the U.S. Coast Guard and was discharged as a lieutenant, senior grade, in 1946. He was admitted to the Ohio and U.S. Supreme Court in 1941 and thereafter began practicing law in Canton.  

Raymond E. Griffiths graduated from Case Western University School of Law in 1957 and joined Sam Krugliak in 1958. Together, they formed the law firm Krugliak and Griffiths, located in The Renkert Building in downtown Canton. The firm began as a business and labor practice. 

Commitment to The Community 

Sam previously served as chairman of the Ohio Supreme Court Board of Commissioners for Grievances and Discipline, president of the Stark County Bar Association, a director of Harter Bank & Trust, and as officer and a director of Nickles Bakery, Superior’s Meats, Sugardale Foods (now Fresh Mark), and many other companies.  By reason of a series of appointments from two former governors of the State of Ohio to the board of trustees of Stark State College of Technology, he served as one of the chief protagonists with Clayton Horn and Ralph Regula in the founding of Stark State, serving as the first president of its board of trustees. Sam was also prominent in the business and legal communities and many civic organizations.

Ray Griffiths also enjoyed teaching and for many years was a part-time faculty member at Walsh University  (formerly Walsh College) lecturing in Business Law and Labor Law. As a part of his interest in education, Ray was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Stark County District Library for many years and served as its President. He was active at the State level as well, serving as a member of the Board of Trustees of the State of Ohio Library System. In recent years, he was a founding member of the Stark County District Library Foundation Board.