Louis Smith Votto, Esq.

August 5, 2022

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of beloved husband, father and grandfather, Louis Smith Votto, on August 5, 2022. He leaves his wife of 52 years, Lauri Riggione Votto; children Kevin of West Haven, Abby of Boston (spouse: Steven Belge) and Louis of New Hampshire; and grandchildren Oliver and Oscar, whom he cherished dearly.

Lou was born in New Haven on October 22, 1935, and raised in West Haven by his parents, Louis and Helen Votto. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Fordham University in 1957, followed by a Juris Doctorate from the University of Connecticut School of Law. He also served in the United States Army and Army Reserves until 1966.

Lou was admitted to the Connecticut Bar in August 1961 and practiced law for 52 years. He was also admitted to practice in the United States Supreme Court and the Second Circuit Court of Appeals in 1968. He retired from Donahue, Votto and DeGennaro in 2013.

Throughout his career

Lou held a variety of positions outside of his private practice, including counsel to the Hamden Police Benevolent Society, as well as the West Haven Fire & Police Departments, in varying capacities. In the 1980s he was a director and served as General Counsel of Shoreline Bank & Trust Company, Madison, CT. In the early 1990s, he was honored to serve as the inaugural President of the West Haven Bar Association.

Lou was also active in state and local political affairs. He served as West Haven Democratic Town Committee Chairman from 1966 – 1974; he was a Connecticut State Representative in the early 1970s; and Chief Corporation Counsel for the City of West Haven under three different administrations, spanning the 1970s and 1980s.

Lou was a fun-loving guy and an avid sports fan. He played varsity football and basketball at Notre Dame High School and enjoyed playing golf with his friends and family, having been a 20-year member of Race Brook Country Club.

Calling hours will take place on Thursday morning, August 11 from 9 to 10:30 at the West Haven Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Holy Infant Church, Orange at 11 o’clock. Entombment will follow in the Garden Mausoleum, St. Lawrence Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. To leave an online condolence for the Votto family, please visit our website: www.westhavenfuneral.com.