In the two months' time that has seen the passing of Judge Raymond Norko, Michael Koskoff, and Judge Ellen Bree Burns, widely reported in the press, we also now mourn the passing of yet another giant of our profession: Anthony M. Fitzgerald.

Tony Fitzgerald was much more than his superb education (honors at Taft, Yale, Columbia), his numerous bar recognitions (fellow of The American College of Trial Lawyers, Connecticut state chairman of The American Board of Trial Advocates and recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award), and his numerous litigation accomplishments (many of which affected the course of our law). By temperament and commitment, he personified the ideals of our profession.

A zealous and successful advocate, Tony was unfailingly fair, honest and courteous to opponents, colleagues and the courts. He succeeded in his cases, not because of any guile or legerdemain, but because he prepared, studied and skillfully advocated.

By all accounts, Tony loved to think through the conundrums that beleaguered clients and colleagues. In his disciplined, creative and systematic way, he was able to pierce through the ambiguities and encrustations of the law and the bodies of fact and then write clearly, directly and persuasively. This is one reason that he was regarded throughout the bar as the “lawyer's lawyer,” consulted regularly by practitioners, clients and even judges. As a consummate professional, he enjoyed being helpful. He served as a longtime, caring mentor for generations of lawyers at the Carmody firm and at the bar, all of whom became better lawyers through his efforts.

Standing at 6'8″ tall, Tony stood head and shoulders above others, but never with a sense of entitlement or condescension. With his trademark bow tie and courtly manners, he was a welcome presence in the state's courtrooms and administrative proceedings. An accomplished raconteur with a quick but gentle sense of humor, Tony Fitzgerald was a fully developed person who lived a fulfilled life, with eclectic interests, broad learning, and devotion to family and friends.

Those who knew him best miss him the most, but our profession misses him greatly.