Person Record
Images
Metadata
Name |
Petroni, Romeo |
Othernames |
Judge Romeo G. Patroni Romeo Geno Petroni |
Born |
1929 |
Birthplace |
Ridgefield, CT |
Places of residence |
Ridgefield, CT near New Haven, CT, where he moved to be closer to the courts after he was appointed Superior Court Judge Madison, CT |
Titles & honors |
Rotary Club Citizen of the Year in 1984 Ridgefield Old Timers award Listed in "Who’s Who in American Politics" for many years |
Mother |
Madalena Petroni |
Nationality |
American |
Education |
Syracuse University Fordham Law School |
Notes |
Petroni was the only Ridgefield native son to become a Superior Court judge during the 20th century. He became town attorney during the administration of his father-in-law, First Selectman Leo F. Carroll. In 1966, Petroni made an unsuccessful run for Congress. At a fund-raising dinner in his honor during his campaign, Gerald R. Ford, then a congressman and minority leader of the House was a speaker. Among other GOP notables who campaigned for him was Tricia Nixon, daughter of soon-to-be president Richard M. Nixon. In 1986, he ran for governor but failed to get the Republican nomination. |
Occupation |
Served in the U.S. Army Joined the law practice of John E. Dowling, a prominent Democrat, as an associate in 1957 Ridgefield Town Attorney 1957 State Representative 1961 - 1967 State Senator 1971 - 1974 Ridgefield Probate Judge, 1974 - 1990 Superior Court Judge, appointed in May 1990 Judge Petroni was active in the Ridgefield community. He was a director of the Boys Club and the Village Bank, served as a trustee of St. Mary's Parish, and belonged to the Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, Italian-American Club, American Legion Post 78, and the volunteer fire department. For many of these groups he provided free legal services. |
Relationships |
Mary Hanrahan, sister |
Role |
Law |
Spouse |
Catherine Carroll Petroni, daughter of First Selectman Leo F. Carroll |
Children |
Carla L. Salberg, Elise C. Kamp, Marissa G. Coor. |
