Joseph J. Fauliso

Joseph J. Fauliso, 98, of Hartford, beloved husband of Ann-Marie, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on August 20, 2014. He was the longest-serving Lieutenant Governor in the 20th century in the State of Connecticut, serving in that office from December 31, 1980 through January 8, 1991. His lifelong public service included all three branches of Connecticut government. He served as a Judge on the Connecticut Circuit Court (1960-61), and as State Senator (1967-1980) representing the First District, where he was elected to seven terms including three as President Pro Tempore, and was described as the “Cicero of the Senate” for his captivating oratory. He succeeded to the office of Lieutenant Governor in 1980 and was elected twice, in 1982 and 1986, running on a ticket led by Governor William A. O’Neill. Born in Stonington, Connecticut on February 23, 1916, he was educated in Stonington parochial and public schools, at Providence College (Pre-Law) and Boston University School of Law. The son of the late Antonio and Rose Mary Fauliso, he was predeceased by his wife, Lucy Spinella Fauliso, and son, Richard J. Fauliso, M.D. In addition to Ann, his dearly devoted wife of 39 years, he is honored and remembered lovingly by family and friends across four generations, including his sisters Tina Woodall and Mary Blough and her husband Robert Blough all of Pawcatuck; daughter-in-law Dr. Rita Fauliso of Seaview, NH, her children Lucie Mann of Essex, MA and her husband Charles and their children Charles and Cecilia Mann; and Lenore Fauliso of Boston, MA; step-daughter Sharon Bassock and her husband Stephen of New Canaan, and step-son Scott Schwerdtfeger and his wife Wendy and their daughter Samantha of Bloomfiled. He also leaves many nephews and nieces throughout the region, and countless friends with whom he served in government, the practice of law, and innumerable civic, charitable and religious activities. As Lieutenant Governor, he chaired the Governor’s Development Cabinet, the Governor’s Task Force on Safety in Public Buildings, the Missing Persons Coordinating Committee, the High Technology Council and the Task Force on Racial Harmony, underscoring his view that “the most important function of government, at any level, is to serve the people.” In 1980, President Jimmy Carter appointed him as a member of the United States Circuit Judge Nominating Commission for the Second Circuit. His numerous awards, distinctions and honors throughout his career include Knighthood, Order of Saint Gregory the Great, conferred by Pope John Paul II in 1990, Knight of the Order of Malta, the Guild of the Holy Family Award by the Diocese of Bridgeport, the Roncalli Charities Award for outstanding contributions to the quality of life, the Silver Shingle Award for Distinguished Public Service from the Boston University School of Law Alumni Association, the Friars Award from the Greater Hartford Chapter of Providence College Alumni Association, the Legislator of the Year Award from the Connecticut State Labor Council, and honorary life membership in the Hundred Club of Connecticut. He was Honorary Chair of the campaign to endow the Emiliana Pasca Noether Chair in Modern Italian History in the Department of History at the University of Connecticut, a trustee of Saint Augustine Church, Corporator of Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center, Corporator of Hartford Hospital, Trustee Emeritus of Connecticut Public Television Corporation, and a member of the Hartford County, Connecticut and American Bar Associations. He served as Co-Chair of the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal for the Archdiocese of Hartford, Honorary Chair of the Connecticut Columbus Quincentenary Commission, and was involved with philanthropic activities including Homeward Bound, American School for the Deaf, the Hoffman Foundation and National Jewish Hospital. Early in his career, he served as a member of the Hartford Court of Common Council (1943-1948) including two years as Minority Leader. He was a Judge on the City and Police Court in Hartford (1956-1960) and was a principal in the law firm of Fauliso, Katz and Hansen (1956-1991), a law partner of former Democratic state and national party Chairman John Bailey, and a close ally and friend of former Gov. Ella T. Grasso. A vigorous advocate for working people, he earned the respect of his constituents and colleagues, developing enduring friendships on both sides of the aisle, and held the legislative process and the law in great reverence. He maintained an open door policy through his time at the Capitol, placing a priority on listening and responding to the concerns of Connecticut residents. In December 1981, Lieutenant Governor Fauliso briefly assumed the “powers and authority” of the Office of Governor in accordance of the provisions of the State Constitution, as Gov. O’Neill underwent heart surgery. It is the only time in state history that the constitutional provision has been utilized. Described by an editorial writer upon leaving office as an “all-purpose public servant,” holding “a position of affection and respect that is hard to equal,” he was known for humility, warmth, patience and fairness. After retiring from elected office, he served as a Magistrate for the Connecticut Superior Court, extending his commitment to public service. Appreciation is extended to family and friends for their support, encouragement and concern through insurmountable health challenges in recent years, to Richard Owusuansah for wonderfully supportive care, and to the compassionate hospice staff at St. Francis Hospital. Funeral services will be Tuesday, August 26, 2014, with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by Most Reverend Peter A. Rosazza, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Hartford at 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter Claver Church, 47 Pleasant Street, West Hartford. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, 200 Whitman Ave., West Hartford. Friends and family may call on Monday. (Aug 25) from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Molloy Funeral Home, 906 Farmington Ave. West Hartford. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, 103 Vision Way in Bloomfield, or the House of Bread, 1453 Main Street in Hartford. Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.molloyfuneralhome.com