Former Massachusetts Attorney General and Lieutenant Governor Francis Bellotti died Tuesday, December 17.
Bellotti was 101 years old.
The Democrat served as the state’s lieutenant governor from 1963 to 1965, and later as its Attorney General from 1975 to 1987. He ran for governor three times, unsuccessfully.
Bellotti also co-founded Arbella Insurance Group, a prominent car and home insurance company on the South Shore.
A bevy of lawmakers weighed in on his death, expressing grief for his family’s loss.
Here are some of their reactions:
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey (D-Arlington)
“Frank Bellotti was a cherished mentor, colleague and friend. In a lifetime of service, he made indelible contributions to Massachusetts law and policy, and inspired generations of legal professionals and public servants. His work to protect residents and uphold the rule of law has been widely respected and recognized across the country by the National Association of Attorneys General,” Healey said in a written statement issued by her office. “We express our deepest gratitude for his legacy of advancing civil rights, defending constitutional principles, and elevating the professionalism of the People’s Law Firm. Sending my love to his family and friends and all that were fortunate to know him and share the great admiration he earned throughout his life. May we all find peace knowing he is with his beloved Maggie.”
Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll (D-Salem)
“Frank Bellotti lived a life of service to our state, country and communities,” Driscoll posted on X (Twitter). “As LG and AG, he set a new bar for justice and fairness, inspiring generations of public servants like me. My heart goes out to his loved ones and the many, many lives he touched in his 101 years.”
Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell (D-Boston)
“While I am deeply saddened to lose a dear friend and mentor, I feel absolutely blessed to have known Attorney General Frank Bellotti. Passionate about public service, Frank revolutionized the Attorney General’s Office into the modern People’s Law Firm it is well known as today, both in Massachusetts and across the country,” Campbell said in a written statement released by her office. “He led a faith and purpose-driven life and found time to support and mentor young lawyers, including myself. It has and continues to be an honor to build upon his legacy as an advocate and voice for the vulnerable with the goal of ensuring the next generation does better than the last. My thoughts and prayers are with his beloved family.”
Massachusetts House Speaker Ron Mariano (D-Quincy)
“Frank Bellotti was a giant. From his service to our country in the Navy, to his time as Lieutenant Governor, to his trailblazing work as Attorney General, to the enormous impact that he had in private life as a lawyer and businessman, very few people have touched as many lives, in such a profound manner, as Frank did,” Mariano said in a written statement issued by his office. “Despite the incredible longevity of Frank’s career, he never wavered when it came to the values that he held dear. Frank marched with Dr. King, protested the war in Vietnam, and fought hard for civil rights, gay rights, and to protect the environment. Frank also inspired me, and so many other folks from my community to enter public service, setting an example for all those who came after him. He made Quincy proud. I’ll remember Frank as someone who was incredibly tough, yet kind, a combination that made him the perfect advocate, time and time again, for vulnerable residents who needed their government to step up and protect them. On behalf of the entire House of Representatives, I want to offer my sincerest condolences to Frank’s family and loved ones. There will never be another Frank Bellotti. May he rest in peace.”
Massachusetts Auditor Diana DiZoglio (D-Methuen)
“Rest in peace to a wonderful mentor in service. Sending love to the entire Bellotti family #mapoli,” DiZoglio posted on X (Twitter).
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