Martin M. Looney

Senate President Pro Tempore

Martin M. Looney

An Advocate for Us

May 27, 2025

Looney and Duff Express Their Condolences on the Passing of Dr. Stephen Leach

HARTFORD – Senate President Pro Tem Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) issued the following statement today on the passing of Dr. Stephen Leach, who was the husband of former Secretary of the State Denise Merrill:

“We wish to issue our sincerest condolences to Denise, her children and grandchildren on the passing of her husband, Dr. Stephen Leach. Their commitment to each other was well-known: Dr. Leach watching his wife late into the night from the House of Representatives’ visitor gallery during her days as a state representative, and Denise caring for her husband as he battled Parkinson’s disease, including resigning as Secretary of the State in June 2022 to provide for him. Their love and devotion to each other is a model for us all.”

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