Joseph J. Fauliso, the state’s longest-serving lieutenant governor in more than 100 years, died on Wednesday, the CT Mirror web site reports.
He was 98 and had recently been receiving hospice care, the web site reports.
Fauliso had been the Senate leader when he became lieutenant governor upon the death of his friend, Gov. Ella T. Grasso, on Dec. 31, 1980.
In early 1980, he was 64 and ready to quit politics after 14 years in the Senate, the last six as its top leader. Grasso prevailed on him to run for one last term, preferring to see a reliable ally in charge as she finished the last two years of her second term.
By year’s end, she was gone from office, dying from cancer. Lt. Gov. William A. O’Neill succeeded Grasso, and Fauliso automatically succeeded O’Neill as lieutenant. When O’Neill asked Fauliso to run with him in 1982, he again delayed retirement – this time for nearly a decade. The ticket was elected in 1982 and 1986.
Connecticut Democratic Party Chairwoman Nancy DiNardo released the following statement on the passing of former Lieutenant Governor Joe Fauliso:
“Yesterday, we lost a friend, a leader, and a dedicated public servant. In a career lasting more than half a century, Joe Fauliso moved Connecticut forward. One of the longest serving Lieutenants Governor in our state, he held office at almost every level. As he fought tirelessly for progress, he inspired a new generation of Democratic leaders and public servants. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will no doubt live on in Connecticut history.”
Read the full CT Mirror story here.