Melody Currey Dies At 71; State Lawmakers React

EAST HARTFORD, CT — State elected officials are expressing their condolences after Melody Currey, a former East Hartford mayor and state representative, died this week at age 71.

Currey's death was confirmed on Monday by current East Hartford Mayor Mike Walsh, who called her "a political icon who touched the lives of so many in such a positive way."

Currey was a member of the Connecticut House of Representatives from 1993 to 2006 and became deputy majority leader and deputy speaker during that time, the Associated Press reported.

She then served as mayor of East Hartford from 2006 to 2010 before becoming commissioner of several state agencies, including the Departments of Motor Vehicles, Agriculture and Administrative Services, the AP said.

Gov. Ned Lamont called Currey "a powerhouse of an advocate on behalf of the people of East Hartford and the entire state of Connecticut. "

"Whether it be through her elected roles as state representative and mayor, or as commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles, Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Administrative Services, she was a fierce proponent of enacting policy improvements that create a more effective, accessible, and equitable state for everyone," Lamont said. "She mentored any and all who were interested in serving their community as she possessed a passion for putting the needs of others above self. Her passing is a significant loss for our state. I send my deepest condolences to her family."

Attorney General William Tong said Currey "set the standard for public service at every level of government."

"She was strong and tough — a powerful force of nature in advocating for her constituents and her community. I looked up to her as an example and a role model. I sought her guidance at key moments in my public service career, and I will never forget how generous and kind she was with her time and her advice," Tong said. "I wish peace and comfort to her family on this difficult day, including her son Rep. Jeff Currey who does his mom proud every day as a voice for his constituents in our state legislature."

Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz said Currey devoted her life to public service and shared her passion for politics with her family.

"No one knew more about the legislative process and state government than Melody. Whenever I had a particularly difficult problem, she always provided sound advice on how to make things happen and get things done. She was a mentor to me and so many other women in local and state government. She was a true trailblazer for women in politics, empowering them in both state government and public service," Bysiewicz said. "I will miss her compassion, wealth of knowledge, grace, and good humor. My deepest condolences are with her family, friends, colleagues, and all of those whose lives were impacted by Melody's service."

Majority Leader Jason Rojas (D-East Hartford, Manchester) said he is "heartbroken for the Currey family" following the news of Melody's death.

"Melody has been mentor and friend throughout my life. Whether in her role as East Hartford's Mayor, State Representative, Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner, or Department of Administrative Services Commissioner, Melody was a trailblazer for so many — many of whom she worked tirelessly to help guide into their current roles herself, like me. Melody's steadfast leadership and kind nature will be remembered by all who had the privilege to know her, and I hope her unwavering commitment to making East Hartford and Connecticut a better place to live for all will be an inspiration to many."