William J. Lavery

William J. Lavery
Member of the Connecticut House of Representatives
In office 1967–1971
Judge of the Connecticut Appellate Court
In office October 4, 1989 – November 1, 2007
Nominated by	William A. O'Neill
Personal details
Born	(1938-03-26)March 26, 1938 New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
Died	November 14, 2024(2024-11-14) (aged 86) Newtown, Connecticut, U.S.

William J. Lavery (March 26, 1938 – November 14, 2024) was an American politician and jurist from the state of Connecticut. He was appointed judge of the Connecticut Appellate Court on October 4, 1989, Chief Judge on March 12, 2000, and Chief Court Administrator on February 1, 2006, retiring on November 1, 2007.

Early life and education

Lavery was born in New Haven, Connecticut, on March 26, 1938. He graduated from Fairfield Prep in 1955; received his bachelor's degree from Fairfield University in 1959; and received his law degree from Fordham Law School.

Career

While in private practice, Lavery was elected to the Bridgeport Board of Aldermen (1963–1967) and the Connecticut House of Representatives (1967–1971). Throughout the 1970s, he served as counsel for the Bridgeport Housing Authority, the Majority Party in the Connecticut House of Representatives, and the Town of Newtown, Connecticut. He was vice-chairman of the Connecticut Commission on Hospitals and Healthcare and a member of the State's Council on Environmental Quality.

In 1981, Lavery was appointed a Connecticut Superior Court judge and served as presiding judge in the Danbury Judicial District and chief administrative judge in Waterbury Judicial District prior to his appointment to the Connecticut Appellate Court.

Death

Lavery died at his home in Newtown, Connecticut, on November 14, 2024, at the age of 86.

External links

• Official biography from the State of Connecticut Judicial Branch Site
• Fairfield University Alumni Professional Achievement Award Profile