The Honorable William (Bill) J. Lavery, a distinguished jurist, respected senior judge, and pillar of the Newtown community, passed away peacefully at his home on November 14, 2024, at 86, surrounded by his family. Known for his wisdom, fairness, and easygoing nature, Bill dedicated his life to justice and the people of Connecticut, leaving a legacy as one of the state’s most esteemed legal figures.

Bill’s journey of service began early, a testament to his lifelong dedication to justice. Born on March 26, 1938, in Bridgeport, to William J. Lavery and Helen Keniley Lavery, he graduated from Fairfield Prep in 1955 and then he attended Fairfield University, earning degrees in economics and philosophy in 1959. After a brief service in the US Army, he pursued law at Fordham Law School, graduating in 1964. This marked the beginning of a remarkable career dedicated to justice and the people of Connecticut.

Bill’s legal journey included serving on the Bridgeport Board of Aldermen and as a Connecticut House of Representatives member. Known as a devoted advocate, he represented the Bridgeport Housing Authority, served as counsel to the Speaker of the House, and was a town and borough attorney for Newtown. His commitment to public service led to roles on the Connecticut Commission on Hospitals and Healthcare and the State’s Council on Environmental Quality. Appointed by Governor Ella T. Grasso to the Superior Court in 1981, Bill rose through judicial roles to Chief Judge of the Connecticut Appellate Court in 2000 and Chief Court Administrator in 2006. Celebrated for his wisdom and fairness, he was recognized throughout the Connecticut legal community and beyond, earning numerous awards, including lifetime achievement awards from both his alma maters.

Bill’s commitment to his community was unwavering. He served on Newtown Scholarship Association and Cyrenius H. Booth Library boards, was active in St Rose of Lima Parish, and contributed his time to the AIDS Project of Greater Danbury, and the Pope John Paul II Health Care Center. Bill also cherished participating in the Men’s Literary and Social Club of Newtown, The Latin Scholars, and The Benvenito Cellini Society. His dedication and generosity significantly impacted Newtown and Connecticut, earning him the respect and admiration of all who knew him.

Bill’s love for life’s simpler pleasures was infectious. Though a judge by profession, he was the least judgmental person by heart, never speaking ill of anyone and embracing others with warmth. Known to family and friends as a “teddy bear,” he was an avid reader, enjoying fiction and biographies with his book club. Though a modest golfer, he found joy in the game and delighted in rooting for his beloved New York sports teams and the UConn Huskies. Bill’s love for jazz and his lifelong passion for ice cream brought him a unique happiness, which he readily shared with family and friends, spreading joy wherever he went.

Bill’s love for his family was the cornerstone of his life. He was predeceased by his first wife, Flora Vigliotti Lavery, with whom he shared many happy years raising their children, Sarah (Henry), Will (Jenner), Michael (Elodie), and Chris (Naz). Bill is also survived by his devoted wife, Joan Murcko Lavery, who brought him joy and companionship in his later years. Together, they embraced a blended family with Joan’s children, Mary, Maggie (Anthony), David (Kara), and Annie (John), and were blessed with 14 grandchildren: EJ, Liam, Izzy, Amalia, Felix, Theo, Luca, Yasmine, Stella, Scarlett, Caileigh, June, Faith, and John. He was known for never forgetting a birthday, delighting in showering his grandchildren with gifts and toys and making each one feel cherished. He is also survived by his siblings, Hugh (Jan) and Betsy Maher, along with many cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, friend, and, above all, “Grampy,” whose presence will be deeply missed by all who loved him.

Friends and family are invited to honor Bill’s life at Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street in Newtown, on Friday, November 22, from 3-6 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St Rose of Lima Church, 46 Church Hill Road in Newtown, on Saturday, November 23, at 9 am. Instead of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Newtown Scholarship Association, PO Box 302, Newtown CT 06470 or Cyrenius H. Booth Library, 25 Main Street, Newtown CT 06470, honoring his commitment to education and community.

Bill will be remembered for his remarkable contributions to the judiciary, kindness, compassion, and dedication to others. His legacy endures in the lives he touched and the family he loved, leaving an indelible mark on the community.