Judge Howard Owens, Jr.
Judge Howard Thomas Owens, Jr. passed away at home with his family by his side on April 3, 2018. He was born in Bridgeport on July 20, 1934, the eldest of three children of Howard T. Owens, Sr. and Clarisse Baillargeon Owens. Judge Owens's father was from Bridgeport and his mother was from St. Urbain, Quebec, Canada.
Judge Owens was graduated from the College of the Holy Cross in 1956 and Vanderbilt University School of Law in 1959. He served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1958-64, was an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut from 1964-68, and was a partner in Owens and Schine, later Owens, Schine, Nicola and Donahue, the law firm founded by his father.
Judge Owens represented Bridgeport and Trumbull in the Connecticut State Senate from the old 22nd District, serving for six terms between 1975 and 1989. While in the State Senate, he served as Assistant Majority Leader, and as Chairman of both the Judiciary and Transportation Committees. During his Senate terms, he sponsored legislation establishing the Connecticut Appellate Court; was responsible for numerous state and federal highway projects, including the expansion of Route 8; was the main sponsor of drunk driving legislation; and was honored as Mother's Against Drunk Driving's (MADD) Man of the Year. He was also a consumer advocate and sponsored legislation affecting consumer rights.
He became a Judge of the Connecticut Superior Court in 1998, where he tried major felony cases and was assigned for more than two years to a panel that tried only murder cases. He also tried contested marital cases, administrative appeals, land use cases, and Freedom of Information matters. He presided in Hartford, New Haven, New Britain, Danbury, and Bridgeport, and also served in the Juvenile Court.
Judge Owens was involved in a broad range of professional and civic organizations. He was the first chairman of the Bridgeport Legal Services Board of Directors, a former chairman of the Southeastern Fairfield County Chapter of the American National Red Cross, twice chairman of the Bridgeport Charter Revision Commission, a former member of the City of Bridgeport Ethics Commission, a member of the boards of directors of the Food Bank of Fairfield County, Quazar, Bridge House, and St. Luke's Foundation. He was also a supporter of the Shehan Center, the Bridgeport Boys and Girls Club, and the Child and Family Guidance Center. He was also active in professional legal organizations having served as an officer and member of the Board of Governors of the Connecticut Bar Association; was former State Chairman of the Junior Bar Association; and also was a member of the Criminal Justice Section of the Connecticut Bar Association. He was honored with the Greater Bridgeport Bar Association's Career Service Award in 2013 in recognition of outstanding service as a prosecutor, lawyer, legislator, and judge. He was also a member of the General Gold Selleck Silliman Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, and a past member of the Brooklawn Country Club.
Judge Owens is survived by his wife of 52 years, the former Ann Veronica Ehrsam, their children, Caroline Owens Crawford (and her husband Alastair) of Fairfield, Howard Thomas Owens, III (and his wife Marnie) of Los Angeles, California, Paul Brennan Owens of San Francisco, California, and Martha Ehrsam Owens of Los Angeles, California. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Felix, Harry, and Katherine Crawford, and Riley and Miller Owens, his sister, Clarisse Owens Loughran, of Fairfield, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Robert M. Owens.
Friends may call on Friday, April 6 from 4-8 p.m. at the Larson Funeral Home, 2496 North Avenue, Bridgeport, and are invited to attend the funeral mass on Saturday, April 7 at 11:00 a.m. at the Egan Chapel at Fairfield University. Burial at St. Michael's Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations be made to either Fairfield University in care of the Development Office or The John Patrick Flanagan Foundation at www. jpff.org. To light a candle or leave a condolence online, go to www.larsonfh.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Bill Riccios son Michael. Sorry for your loss.
Michael Riccio
Other
September 16, 2023
Howard was a great guy and a wonderful friend. We miss his subtle humor.
joseph wolczek
Friend
March 29, 2021
We have so many fond memories of "The Judge" and miss him Susie and Rich Gordinier
Richard Gordinier
Friend
March 29, 2019
Regrettably, I was unable to attend the memorial services for Judge Owens. I was his clerk in Bridgeport when I first started my legal career and I have many fond memories of working with him and, more importantly, learning from him. He shaped my view of the law early on and remains one of the most important influences in my professional career. Sending thoughts and prayers to his family.
Matt Lucarelli
April 30, 2018
To Judge Owens' Family,
I regret that I was unable to attend the services for Howard. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Fairfield Police Chief Ron Sullivan (Retired)
Friend
April 14, 2018
Mrs. Owen and family so sorry for your loss. my thoughts and prayer
Yvette Richardson
April 9, 2018
Dear Ann & Family,
Nathan & I are thinking of you at this difficult time. Sending love & prayers.
Julie Shalvoy & Nathan George
Julie Shalvoy
April 8, 2018
Of all the accolades that can be attributed to Howard , the most important is that he was a gentle man that treated everyone with respect . Sleep well my friend .
Fred Thornton
April 8, 2018
I never met Judge Owens but I know his daughter Caroline, and her wonderful children: Felix, Katherine, and Harry. I know they will continue his legacy and bring light and life from their grandfather.
I am sure his good deeds and inspiration will be carried on forever.
Margaret Moffitt Rahe
April 7, 2018
Our thoughts to Howard's family.
We have great memories of Howard . He was a very good man and friend.
Lize Lupulio , Johnny, Kristin . Bobby Dumitre
April 6, 2018
Aimee Lubin
April 6, 2018
Good memories of an outstanding person. May he rest in peace.
Pat and Ray Pistey
April 6, 2018
I had the privilege of working with Judge Owens for many years in Bridgeport Superior Court as one of his court monitors. He was a kind, fair Judge and an always-pleasant man on and off the Bench. Many of us at Judicial will always smile when we think of him. Rest in peace, Judge Owens; you will be remembered fondly and truly missed by many.
Kathryn Darling
April 6, 2018
a loved one
April 5, 2018
Our hearts go out to you all, our dear ones, and Howard will always have a special place there!
Please know how much we will miss him
and how much we care about all of you!
With prayers and love,
Barbara and Dick and family
April 5, 2018
Our hearts go out to you all, our dear ones, and Howard will always have a special place there!
Please know how much we will miss him
and how much we care about all of you!
With prayers and love,
Barbara and Dick and family
Barbara and Dick Whitcomb
April 5, 2018
Ann and family,
Rose and I just learned of Howard's recent demise, and we have heavy hearts. He was well loved, and he shall be sorely missed. You, Howard, and the respective families will be in our thoughts and prayers; may he rest in peace.
Robert and Rose Meena
April 5, 2018
Howard was a devoted family man, a respected public servant and a good friend to many. May he rest in peace. Jim Stapleton
Jim Stapleton
April 5, 2018
When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. May the wonderful treasures fill your hearts with love and bring you peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Hosea 13:14 *
April 5, 2018
Will miss you every day.
Gabrielle Parisi
April 5, 2018
Dear Ann and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with Howard and all of you as you navigate through this difficult time. We are very fortunate to have known and called friend such a great man, who meant so much to us. Love and prayers - Cathy and John
Cathy and John Schmiedel
April 5, 2018
Dear Ann,
We have not seen each other in many years and you may not even remember me. I was deeply saddened over the death of your husband, Howard. You and your family are all in my prayers.
Marion Eagan
Friend
April 4, 2018
Ann, please accept my deepest sympathy in the loss of this great man
Mary Sleeper
April 4, 2018
To the Owens Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Howard was a great man and there should be more like him in this world. He has done so much good and many should learn from him. He was extremely smart man. There are not enough words to describe this wonderful man. RIP HOWARD
Patty/Steve Bucco
April 4, 2018
Dear Ann, my sincere sympathy to you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May your fond memories of Howard and God comfort all of you during this difficult time. I will pray for strength, peace and comfort for all of you.
Mary Owens
April 4, 2018
Caroline, my deepest sympathies on the passing of your father. Lots of love from my Owens family to yours.
Diana Owens
April 4, 2018
I'm very sorry to learn of the passing of your father Caroline. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Walden Whitmer
April 4, 2018
Ann I am so sorry for your loss of this great man. My heart goes out to you and your family. I am praying the Lord brings you comfort at this sad time.
Merrilyn Gerstner Vanghele
April 4, 2018
our thoughts and prayers are with the family. i have many wonderful memories.
gerri(shenkman) tormey
April 4, 2018
Ann , You and your family are in my prayers. I look back at so
Many great memories we share. Mary Niedermeier
Mary Niedermeier
April 4, 2018
Owens family: on behalf of the entire Mangines family we extend our heartfelt condolences. It only seems like yesterday that "the Judge" married Heidi and I. A kinder compassionate man who had a great sense of humor surely will be hard to find. A very good lawyer friend told me "Howard was the best judge he ever appeared before". His memory will never fade and the short term tears will turn to long term smiles..
jim/heidi mangines
April 4, 2018
I will miss you, Judge Owens! Kind, compassionate and fair in all of his dealings is how I would describe him. I extend my deepest condolences to his family. May he Rest in Peace.
Karen McCormack
April 4, 2018
So sorry to hear of the passing of your father, Caroline. I will always remember how sweet he was to come I to my classroom and share his expertise with my students.
Hugs to you and your family.
Susan Cinquegrana
April 4, 2018
Howard was a scholar and a gentleman. He will be missed by all who were blessed to have known him. Rest in Peace
Monica Kent
April 4, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We have such nice memories of Howard and Ann and the Owens family.
With sympathy and Love,
Barbara and Renny Challoner
April 4, 2018
Our deepest condolences to the Owens Family.
Cathy&Kevin Coleman
April 4, 2018
We have lost one of our closest friends for over 40 years! The "Judge" was a unique and wonderful guy and will be missed Love Susie and Rich
Richard Gordinier
April 4, 2018
A great man. A wonderful friend. We miss you Howard.
Joseph and Diane wolczek
April 4, 2018
My condolences for a great man and a great attorney
Kenny Plavnicky
April 4, 2018
Howard hired me 1975 to be his Committee Clerk in the State Senate and he and I drove together from Bridgeport to the State Capitol three days a week for 6 months. I was just out of college and this was my first real job. Howard was tremendous Senator, boss, friend, and mentor to me during that time. He was smart, fair, compassionate, honorable, and above all, honest in all his dealings with his constituents and with me, personally. Howard also recommended me for my second job after the session ended. When you help a young person along in his career you help him in all facets of his life. Howard did that for me. Ann and the Owens family - I am very sorry for the passing of your beloved husband, father and grandfather. The world needs more people like the Honorable Howard T. Owens, Jr.
Kenneth Reinhard
April 4, 2018
Thoughts and prayers to the entire Owens family...
Richard Petersen, Jr
April 4, 2018
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