Prominent Avon Attorney Dies, Featured In Iconic TV Commercials

AVON/HARTFORD, CT — A prominent attorney from Avon whose television commercials were broadcast throughout Connecticut homes for years has died.

According to the law offices of Trantolo & Trantolo, the firm's eldest leader —Vincent Trantolo, 78, — died last week.

His online obituary said Trantolo died of complications of congestive heart failure.

For decades, commercials depicting Trantolo and his other family members in the firm were a fixture on local TV broadcasts statewide.

The law firm said Trantolo died March 25 surrounded by his family and loved ones.

Trantolo & Trantolo, in a statement released Tuesday afternoon, called Vincent Trantolo a "legal visionary and an advocate for the wrongfully injured who exemplified unwavering dedication, unparalleled expertise, and an unbreakable commitment to justice."

"He leaves behind an indelible mark on the legal profession and the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him," the firm wrote.

A personal injury attorney, Trantolo followed in the footsteps of his father, Joseph Trantolo Sr., who founded the firm in 1938.

Vincent Trantolo and his brother, Joseph Trantolo Jr., operated the firm, eventually taking over from their father.

According to the firm, Vincent Trantolo graduated from Fairfield University in 1968 and Suffolk University Law School in 1971.

"Vincent followed in his father's footsteps to move outside of traditional legal boundaries and provide meaningful, insightful, and effective representation," wrote the firm. "He was dedicated to social improvement and helped more than 20,000 clients injured through no fault of their own."

According to the firm, it was Vincent Trantolo who argued before the Connecticut Supreme Court in 1984 that law firms should be allowed to advertise on television, leading to a ruling allowing just that.

Since then, "Trantolo & Trantolo" commercials have been a mainstay on Connecticut airwaves and it paved the way for a revolving door of legal advertising most often seen on local television news broadcasts.

The law firm also cited Vincent Trantolo's benevolence, saying he co-founded in 1999 the Hartford County Bar Foundation, "a charitable organization whose purpose is to develop, promote, provide, and support altruistic programs that benefit the homeless, hungry, sick, disabled, unemployed, and other disadvantaged persons."

The family atmosphere at the firm continues with a third generation of Trantolo sons at the helm, attorneys Keith Trantolo and Scott Trantolo, the firm's chief executive officer.

"In the wake of this tremendous loss, Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC mourns the passing of a titan in the legal community and a cherished father, grandfather, mentor, and friend," wrote Trantolo & Trantolo.

"The firm is proud to carry on the enduring legacy of Attorney Vincent J. Trantolo and his commitment to justice, compassion for others, and dedication to legal excellence."

For Vincent Trantolo's obituary and to leave a message of condolences, click on this link.