Hon. William M. Shaughnessy Jr.

The Honourable William M. Shaughnessy, Jr., 96, of West Hartford, passed away peacefully at home on July 16, 2026 after a short illness. One day shy of his 97th birthday, he was surrounded by his family. Bill was married to the late Sally (Winoski) Shaughnessy for 69 years. A 1947 graduate of Hartford Public High School, he received a B.S. from Trinity College and earned a Masters in Social Work from Boston College. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War. After completing his military service, he earned a law degree from University of Connecticut School of Law, from which followed a long and varied law career, including service as the Chief Public Defender in Middlesex County. He then served for more than 40 years as a Connecticut Superior Court Judge. He was known for his high standards and respected for his compassion and empathy for all those who appeared before him regardless of their background or social position. A true pragmatist, he was instrumental and passionate in designing and implementing significant statewide judicial reforms. In addition to his professional accomplishments, he was an expert gardener, dedicated swimmer, enthusiastic cook and lively conversationalist. Universally known as approachable and down-to-earth, he touched countless lives with his encouragement, supportiveness and understanding. He loved his family, his friends, his garden and appreciated the many blessings he had throughout his lifetime. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by his eldest son Thomas Shaughnessy and is survived by his daughters Karen Shaughnessy of West Hartford, CT; Cathy Shaughnessy of Manchester, CT; Patricia Kipps of WV; his son James Shaughnessy of Spring, TX; former daughter-in-law Tracy Dunbrook of Los Angeles, CA; granddaughter Sarah Macdonald and her wife Selby Mashakova; great grandson Mekan Macdonald of San Luis Obispo CA; granddaughter Skye Macdonald of New Orleans, LA; and grandson Aedan Macdonald of New York, NY. He will be sorely missed by all. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at Saint Peter Claver Church, 47 Pleasant Street, West Hartford, CT at 11:30 am on Wednesday July 22nd, 2026. Calling hours will be 9am to 10:30 am before the Mass at Carlson Funeral Home, 45 Franklin Square, New Britain. Burial will follow the Mass at Fairview Cemetery in West Hartford, CT. Please share a memory or note of sympathy with Bill’s family at www.carlsonfuneralhome.com

Hon. William M. Shaughnessy Jr.

July 17, 1929 - July 16, 2026

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Hon. William M. Shaughnessy Jr.

July 17, 1929 - July 16, 2026

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