Sandy D'Alemberte — a former American Bar Association president, Florida State University president and law dean, state lawmaker and Miami big law partner — died Monday. He was 85.

His impact on Florida law, its Constitution and politics was reflected in the broad outpouring of remembrances after his death.

“I've known Sandy for more than 40 years. He's been a friend, a mentor and an inspiration to me,” Florida State University President John Thrasher wrote.

“Florida mourns the loss of Sandy D'Alemberte who leaves a lasting legacy in our state, particularly @FSU, to the benefit of generations to come,” Gov. Ron DeSantis tweeted.

D'Alemberte “dedicated his intelligence, kindness, and endless work ethic to our state,” U.S. Rep. and former Gov. Charlie Crist wrote on Twitter. “His legacy will resound throughout Florida in the actions of his students and the fruit of his service.”

D'Alemberte collapsed at a rest stop after visiting the Mayo Clinic on Monday, according to news reports. Emergency responders tried to revive him for 45 minutes but were unsuccessful.

D'Alemberte was born in 1933 in Tallahassee, earned his bachelor's degree at the University of the South in 1955 and served for three years in the Navy. In 1962, he earned his J.D. at the University of Florida.

D'Alemberte made his way to Steel Hector & Davis where he was partner during the firm's prime. Squire Patton Boggs partner Alvin Davis was recruited by D'Alemberte and worked closely with him at Steel Hector. The two had lunch together every time Davis was in Tallahassee, the last time six weeks ago.

“Everyone that knew him, including me, has a profound sense of loss. There will never be anyone else to replace him in my life in the same way,” Davis said. “He was an inspirational lawyer. He was a natural teacher. He was the most creative lawyer that I ever worked with.”

D'Alemberte served for six years as a state lawmaker representing Miami, nine years as FSU president and five years as its law dean.

Many remember him for his tireless work for social justice. Jose Manuel Godinez-Samperio, the first undocumented immigrant to be admitted to the Florida Bar, wrote a lengthy Facebook tribute to D'Alemberte, who represented Godinez-Samperio in his case before the Florida Supreme Court.

“I do not know if everyone knows, but he is the reason I graduated from law school,” Godinez-Samperio said. “He represented me pro bono before the Florida Supreme Court, the Legislature and the governor's office to change the law so that I could practice. Mine is just one of many stories of people whose life he changed. There will be no one like him.”