A. Jeffrey (Jeff) Dando died July 18 at home in West Tisbury with his family, his beloved dog and his favorite music in the background. He was 82 and died after a long struggle with Parkinson’s disease that he handled with grace and humor. He was well loved and much admired.

He was born to William Albert and Margaret (Ellis) Dando in Philadelphia, Pa. He attended Mercersburg Academy and received a degree in civil engineering at Cornell University. He then spent three more years in Ithaca at Cornell Law School, graduating with his JD in 1964.

Drawn to New England as a result of summer trips to Maine, Jeff began his legal career in Boston at Bingham, Dana & Gould and moved to Goodwin, Procter & Hoar LLP in 1967, becoming a partner in 1973. As a pioneering lawyer, he was instrumental in some of Boston’s most significant real estate projects such as Copley Place, where he set the legal precedent for resolving complex issues related to control of air rights; Harbor Point, where he helped transform a troubled public housing project into a thriving mixed-income community; and the Charlestown Navy Yard, where he helped achieve the successful redevelopment of surplus federal property on the Boston waterfront. Jeff’s sharp mind and his ability to navigate complex legal and political issues contributed directly to the success of those projects, which were the first of their kind.

As hiring partner at Goodwin for several years, Jeff was a valued mentor to many young lawyers. In the last five years of his career, he was the firm’s managing partner. His colleagues said he was widely admired and respected and “a true original.” He retired in 1998.

Jeff was married to his first wife, Susan Schmedes Dando, for 21 years. They raised their children, Holly and Evan, in Essex and then moved to Boston’s Back Bay in 1976. He has been married to Margery Luening since 1985. Both had family on Martha’s Vineyard. As a visitor, Jeff grew to love the Island. In 1981, Jeff and Marge bought what would become their permanent home in West Tisbury on the Whiting Farm. Over the years, Jeff planted fruit trees, tended a garden and even tried raising chickens. He felt blessed living there.

He was an avid fisherman from childhood, tying flies and making fly rods, fishing the Derby, proudly winning a few prizes. He loved boating, particularly in the Florida Keys and Stuart, Fla., where he and Marge spent many years vacationing, before and after his retirement. In addition to fishing, Jeff was passionate about golf. He enjoyed memberships in several different clubs, including The Country Club in Brookline and Vineyard Golf Club.

He was a volunteer for Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard until his own struggle with Parkinson’s caused him to withdraw from this and other activities he found rewarding. But he didn’t complain. When asked if he was angry about the disease, he said, “No, I’ve had a great run!” He was kind, humorous, humble, bright, self-effacing, well-respected, and a beloved friend to many.

He is survived by his wife Marge; children Holly Heyward and Evan Griffith; sister and brother in law Virginia and Charles Kremp and their sons Scott, Steve, Drew and Chad Kremp and families; as well as his nephew and nieces Erich, Sabrina and Talia Luening and grand-niece Ella; and his uncle Richard Ellis.

A celebration of Jeff’s life will be announced at a later date.

Donations can be made to The MGH Parkinson’s and Lewy Body Fund, MGH Development Office, attn: Kylie Wojciki, 125 Nashua street, Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114; VNA of Cape Cod Hospice; Hospice of Martha’s Vineyard; or the Michael J. Fox Foundation.