Name: Visitation for The Honorable William J. Lavery
Start: 2024-11-22T15:00:00.000Z
End: 2024-11-22T18:00:00.000Z
Location: Honan Funeral Home

The Honorable William J. Lavery
November 14, 2024
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, CT, 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 U.S. 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 to the Superior Court in 1981 by Governor Ella T. Grasso, 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 the Newtown Scholarship Association and the 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 the Honan Funeral Home,58 Main St., Newtown, Connecticut, on Friday, November 22, from 3-6 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will celebrated at St. Rose of Lima Church, Newtown on Saturday, November 23, at 9 a.m. Instead of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Newtown Scholarship Association, PO Box 302, Newtown, CT 06470 or the Cyrenius H. Booth Library, 25 Main Street, Newtown, 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.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Danbury News Times & Connecticut Post on Nov. 16, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for William Lavery

Sponsored by Honan Funeral Home - Newtown.

9 Entries

Maybe Mike and Betty vigliotti

December 1, 2024

Mike and I were traveling unable to go to fineral. BUT we´re able to watch funeral mass on line so that was wonderful for us. Mike and Betty vigliotti

John Fallon

November 22, 2024

Joan, Jane and I are away and unable to attend Bill´s wake and funeral. Please know that both he and you are in our heart and prayers.

I will always cherish my time with Bill, especially our trips to Saratoga with Billy Carroll and Howard Owens. Some of the greatest memories of my life! Most importantly, Bill was such an important mentor to me professionally and personally. He truly was one of the finest people I ever met and his influence on my life was profound. He will be sorely missed by many including myself. Again, my heart goes out to you and the family. I know there must be a golf course in heaven and I already see Bill, Billy C and Howard tearing it up and laughing all the way!

Hon. John F. Blawie

November 21, 2024

I was deeply saddened to learn of Bill´s passing. Both of us were graduates of Fairfield Prep (20 years apart) with Bridgeport roots as the sons of two Bridgeport lawyers. At a young age, we both moved to Newtown, where we raised our families and attended St. Rose. I served on the CH Booth Library Board of Trustees with Bill for 8 years, where he oversaw the library´s addition, and in 2004, when I was in the process of being appointed a Superior Court Judge, Bill offered me a great deal of support and encouragement. A true gentleman and dedicated public servant, Bill´s wise leadership as Chief Court Administrator of the Judicial Branch was marked by his care and concern for the rank and file trial judges around the state. During his final years on the bench, Bill sat in the Danbury courthouse, where I was fortunate to witness first-hand as a colleague his remarkable skills and ability to mediate many contentious civil cases without the need for a trial. My sincerest condolences to Joan and the Lavery family. May your faith in the risen Christ sustain you in this time of sorrow.

Richard Silver

November 20, 2024

Our friendship dates back to "the sixties." I have wonderful early memories of our discussions projecting our future in the law. We both learned that we passed the bar while we were serving with the Army at Fort Dix. Our legal conversations also always concerned politics; Bill always had the answer about who was going to "win." He was an avid reader, our discussions were also interspersed with suggestions about the latest book: "Rick, you´ve got to read this book."
Bill loved the law. He was thrilled to become a judge. In every judicial district in which he sat, he used excellent judgment to assist the parties and attorneys before him. Bill was a scholar. When he was Chief Judge of the Connecticut Appellate Court, I recall him telling me that he reviewed every decision before it was published to ensure it was "accurate." If he had issues with a decision, he would apply practicality and sound judgment and discuss those issues with the other judges.
Bill´s forte in life was common sense and fairness, he applied those attributes in the difficult job as Chief Court Administrator of the judicial system. "Taming wild horses" would be a good description of the requirement of that position.
There are very few individuals that have the diversity of interests and abilities as Bill Lavery. He was actively involved in healthcare and environmental issues, and the Newtown Community. I marveled at the multitude of charitable activities he assisted, while carrying out his full-time responsibilities at the Appellate Court.
I have wonderful memories of our time golfing on Prince Edward Island. It was always a fun get-together with Bill at the "The Silver Invitational Tournament." Neither of us ever won.
The most important thing in Bill´s life was his family - Joan and all his children and grandchildren. When we were all on Prince Edward Island every summer, Bill delighted in having the children and grandchildren visit. Although Bill was no golf pro, I have a memory of him "teaching" his grandchildren golf on the nine-hole course at the property where he and Joan stayed.
Over the years, we spent hours discussing family, politics, law, and "life." I always came away from these discussions enriched.
I will miss you Bill.

Dave and Rita Porado

November 18, 2024

Dear Joanie,
As childhood neighbors and High School friends, we want to share our thoughts and prayers during this time of your life.
God bless you and your family.
Dave and Rita Porado

Rita Kovacs

November 18, 2024

So very sad to hear of Bill's passing. My sincere sympathy to Bill's family. He was a true gentleman. Always giving well-thought advise to my family and especially my Dad. Dad and all of the Kovacs family tremendously respected Bill, both as a lawyer and a person. May perpetual light shine upon him.

carleen kunkel

November 17, 2024

For many years our family was invited by gracious hosts Bill and Flora for a party and to sit on their lawn to watch the Newtown Labor Day parade. Our little kids referred to it as "the Lavery Day parade." Happy memories.

Dave Fairman

November 17, 2024

Rest in Peace J

Karin NeJame

November 17, 2024

Heaven just got a new angel.

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