Anthony “Tony” Jannotta

Anthony ("Tony") Jannotta, age 55, of Westport, CT and Nantucket, MA, passed away on November 10, 2025.

Anthony is survived by his beloved wife of 22 years, Brenda (née Deprey); his children, Eleanor and John, and his Westie terrier, the Bodhisattva ("Bodhi") who never left his side. He is also survived by his parents, Jeannette and Alfonso Jannotta; his two brothers, Michael and Gregory; his Godmother Sister Lenore Toscano, and extended family.

Anthony was devoted to his family and friends and will be remembered for his charismatic, outgoing and tenacious personality, witty stories, and love for everyone his life touched.

Born in NY, Anthony lived in CT for most of his entire life in Fairfield and Southport. He was a graduate of the Fairfield College Preparatory School (1988), received his undergraduate degree from his beloved alma mater, Boston College and a Juris Doctor degree from the Quinnipiac University School of Law.

Anthony was an incredible husband and father. He provided unrelenting love, encouragement, and adventure for his family. He was well read and enjoyed discussing current events and politics. He also had a deep appreciation for music. He particularly cherished family trips.

His family was a member of the Patterson Club in Fairfield, where he celebrated his wedding reception with Brenda, and other countless cherished family moments. Still, he was never happier than spending time with his wife, children and Bodhi in Nantucket, MA, as well as with his extended family in Jupiter, FL, not to mention the lasting memories of precious time living in Southport Village and Compo Beach in Westport. He fought his illness as he lived his life - fearless and with dogged resolve - always telling his son, John, its business as usual until they call my number, at which time I will walk into the darkness until I see the light - always with my head held high having known that old ballplayers never quit, they just run out of time. He also adored his beautiful daughter, Eleanor whom he believed to be kind and loyal.

Anthony was committed to charitable causes. He was a board member of the John Patrick Flanagan Foundation (JPFF) and supported educational and food insecurity causes.

True to form, he parlayed his prep school relationships to secure a coveted internship with former CT Attorney General and current US Senator Richard Blumenthal. He served for over 15 years in multiple legal capacities including - arguing a case at the CT Supreme Court he had tried to verdict and lost - at the age of 25. He wouldn't accept defeat and petitioned the Supreme Court to take the case and ultimately argued it and won - commenting for years how proud he was of the "rare reversal". For years he litigated and argued cases and built a reputation as a talented government lawyer - brimming with personality as well as unmatched political skills. After years of working in the trenches building his legal and political acumen, honed over years of traveling the political circles, he secured a senior staff position as Special Counsel in the AG's office. In this role, he served as a personal and special counsel to AG Blumenthal on matters of importance critical to public safety where he immediately garnered a national reputation having spearheaded the first ever investigations into social media companies, paving the way for industry-wide and precedent setting reforms. He was well known and admired as a gifted public speaker who never spoke with notes but was always eloquently and from the heart. Anthony then accepted a position as Legal Counsel to former Governor Dannell P. Malloy. He served admirably in this capacity until he accepted a position as partner at the global law-firm at Dentons, LLP. He later joined Cooley LLP and found his final legal home at Paul Hastings, LLP. He entered the private sector with no clients, having never billed an hour and within months began establishing a successful and personalized state Attorneys General practice that became recognized as first in class and uniquely specialized because of his unprecedented skill set. His clients - like everyone else in his life that he cared about - became not just professional contacts but personal friends and family who he adored dearly and who felt the same way about him. True Tony fans, he would say, always remarking with a smirk, I'm glad there a few left in the universe.

Anthony had a captivating personality - people gravitated towards him. His sharp wit and unwavering dedication to his family and friends, with whom he shared his passion for politics, travel, sports, and music will be deeply missed.

His passing marks the end of an extraordinary journey filled with love and adventure. Anthony departed this world wanting to accomplish and experience more, but while here he left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Special thanks to Dr. Jonathan Rosenberg at MSK and his brilliance which prolonged his life while he presented to the world as the same dedicated and caring loyal former public servant to the end and proud defense counsel to myriad companies both big and small who trusted him with fixing their problems while artfully navigating the public and private complexities that came with each investigation.

A celebration of life Mass of Christian Burial will be held on November 17, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 834 Brookside Drive, Fairfield. Interment will be private. Contributions in Anthony's memory may be made to the Connecticut Foodshare that merged with the CT Food Bank - a charity that always held a special place in their family's hearts