The bar of the state of Connecticut lost a legendary figure with the recent death of Raymond W. Ganim of Stratford. Few, if any, lawyers had his record for success in a courtroom, particularly in state and federal criminal cases.

Ganim, who died at age 93, practiced his art for more than 60 years. Born and raised in Stratford, he started working as a child at his parents vegetable stand in the north end of Bridgeport. He went on to serve in the U.S. military. Ganim graduated from the University of Michigan Law School and began practicing in Detroit representing cab drivers. At the direction of his father, he soon returned to Bridgeport to practice law.

Ganim began an active and very successful career, chiefly in the criminal field. His clientele reflected the breadth and gravity of his practice. For example, he obtained an acquittal for two physicians charged with performing an abortion in the 1950s; an elderly man accused of killing a dancer after a birthday party; and a motorcycle gang member accused of shooting a police officer.