Paul Vasington

Mystic — Paul M. Vasington, 92, retired Conn. Superior Court Judge, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2017.

Paul was a loving husband, proud father, faithful friend, and respected lawyer and judge.

He was born in Norwich on Dec. 7, 1924, the oldest son of Savino and Carmela (Tempesta) Vasington. Paul graduated from Norwich Free Academy in 1942. He entered the University of Connecticut, but was drafted into the U.S. Army Infantry in May of 1943, serving in Germany, where he received a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. He played football for the 84th Infantry Division and was discharged as a staff sergeant.

Paul returned to UConn and graduated in 1949. After college, he attended the University of Connecticut Law School, where he was on the Board of Editors of the Law Review. He began his law practice in Norwich in 1953. During his career, he taught business law at UConn, was appointed deputy judge of the City Court of Norwich and served as an assistant prosecutor in the 10th Circuit Court. For 10 years, he was probate judge for the District of Norwich and was president of the Connecticut Probate Assembly. In 1981, Paul was appointed a judge to the Superior Court and served until he retired in 2014.

Paul was devoted to his family. On June 23, 1956, he married his beloved wife, Ann Marie, and enjoyed 61 years together. They raised four children; Lisa (Jeffrey) Ronner, Jean (Donald) Leone Jr., Paul (Anne Marie) Vasington and Andrea (Brian) Kelly. He is also survived by six grandchildren, several nieces and nephews; and his brother, Frank Vasington of Mansfield. He was predeceased by a brother, Samuel Vasington; two sisters, Angela DeLucia and Mary Thayer; and two grandchildren, Michael Ronner and Joseph Kelly.

Paul was a member of many civic organizations including the Norwich Elks, where he served as the exalted ruler. He was a founding member of Pautipaug Country Club and a past president. Paul and Ann Marie enjoyed many winters in Florida traveling and golfing. He was also an accomplished chess player and shared this passion with his grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 14, 2017, at the Cathedral of St. Patrick, 213 Broadway, Norwich, meeting directly at the church. Entombment with military honors will immediately follow at St. Mary Mausoleum, 815 Boswell Ave., Norwich. Visitation is from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 13, 2017, at the Labenski Funeral Home, 107 Boswell Ave., Norwich.

Donations in Paul’s memory may be made to: Connecticut Children’s Medical Center Foundation, 282 Washington St., Hartford, CT 06106. Please make checks payable to “Team Joe Kelly” in memory of Paul Vasington or visit online at connecticutchildrensfoundation.org.

To leave an online condolence, please visit www. labenskifuneralhome.com.