Former Longtime State Sen. Joe Crisco Dies At 90, Mourned

WOODBRIDGE, CT — Former longtime Democratic state senator Joseph J. Crisco Jr. died Feb. 14 at the age of 90.

Crisco, a Woodbridge resident, represented the 17th Senatorial District for 24 years. The 17th District includes parts of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Derby, Hamden, Naugatuck, and Woodbridge.

“During his 12 terms in the Connecticut senate, ‘Senator Joe’ dedicated himself to public service and was a tireless advocate for the people he represented, especially children and families, seniors and women,” his obituary reads. “Each year, he held Senior Fairs that provided free healthcare information and services and were attended by thousands of senior citizens. He also established and championed CT Family Day, a statewide holiday and program encouraging special family time.”

Crisco is survived by his wife of 66 years of Patricia (Green) Crisco, six children, 19 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, according to his obituary.

The current Democrat representing the 17th Senate District, Jorge Cabrera, said he met with Crisco in 2018 when he was running for the seat.

“Joe had a lot to offer – he shared his quarter-century of legislative accomplishments with me and told me it was really important to support nonprofits and bring state money back to the towns,” Cabrera said. “Joe and his wife Pat were well-known in the district for their charitable work and fundraising. I want to send my sincerest condolences to his family because he will be missed.”

Republican State Sen. Minority Leader Stephen Harding said in a statement that Crisco was a “fierce and effective advocate for consumers and accessible health care, especially in his leadership role on the Insurance and Real Estate Committee.”

“His work on behalf of seniors and children is an enduring legacy,” Harding said. “We send our thoughts and prayers to the Crisco family.”

Read Crisco’s full obituary here.