Sherman London, Conn. Hall of Fame journalist, 102

Southbury — Through his 40-year career in journalism and his involvement with the Freedom of Information Commission, Sherman London dedicated his talents to uncovering the truth and keeping the public informed.

“He was always interested in finding the truth, he was always interested in taking individuals to task for wrongdoing and he was always very concerned about the public’s right to know,” said Michael London, a Trumbull resident and Sherman London’s eldest son. “He was very concerned about the need for the public to know what was happening behind closed doors and behind local government. He was dismayed by the fact that local news coverage has shrunk over the years because he felt that he public needs to know what’s going on in their community.”

Sherman London, a Southbury resident, died May 2 from heart disease at the age of 102, according to his obituary.

Born in Waterbury, London was a graduate of Rider College (now Rider University) in Lawrenceville, N.J., where he earned his tuition and spending money by working in the kitchen of a girls’ dormitory, according to his obituary.

After graduating in three years from Rider College, London was drafted into the United States Army amid World War II where he advanced to the rank of technical sergeant. His Infantry Division was part of the United States forces to occupy Japan after the war, according to London’s obituary.

London dedicated about 40 years to working as a reporter, columnist and editor of the Republican-American newspapers in Waterbury. He was working as editor of the Republican-American’s editorial pages when he retired from his journalism career in 1988.

After retirement, London worked for the Federal Emergency Management Agency as an on-call spokesperson, serving at numerous natural disasters throughout the nation.

London was also the longest-serving member of the Freedom of Information Commission, where he served from 1996 to 2013 and heard 1,000 cases during his tenure.