[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 161 (Friday, September 17, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E986]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING THE CAREER OF WILLIAM ST. ONGE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 17, 2021

  Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the retirement of 
Attorney William ``Bill'' H. St. Onge after fifty years in the legal 
profession. Bill recently announced his retirement from a busy 
smalltown practice that ethically and capably represented thousands of 
individuals and families, sometimes at moments of crisis. Despite that 
demanding schedule he still found time to elevate the profession as an 
active member of the Connecticut Bar Association, and completed a 
distinguished stint serving his conununity as the First Selectmen of 
Putnam. Throughout his years, Bill has been a shining example of 
professionalism, compassion, and service to those around him. His 
retirement is one that is well-deserved.
  Bill's family has a long history of public service most notably his 
father Congressman William St. Onge, who served the Second district of 
eastern Connecticut from 1963 to 1970 with great success. That example 
certainly rubbed off on Bill Junior who has been a life-long 
contributor to the local community in northeastern Connecticut and 
someone who avidly followed world and national politics. I have always 
particularly enjoyed when Bill would share stories about his father as 
well as his shrewd understanding of public affairs.
  Bill was a graduate of Georgetown University and continued his 
education by attending the University of Connecticut Law School. Upon 
obtaining his JD in 1974, Bill went on to practice law through to his 
retirement. As I mentioned earlier, that while fresh in the field of 
practice, Bill wasted no time in running for and serving as First 
Selectman of Putnam, which he did so very successfully for nearly a 
decade.
  Even after leading his town as First Selectman, Bill remained a 
constant in the community and utilized his expertise to give back to 
his neighbors. Providing a form of accessible representation for fellow 
towns like Killingly and Thompson, Bill ran a highly successful small-
town practice for probate, municipal, and real estate law. As the local 
lawyer, he sought to continuously improve upon the services available 
to those in the area, taking the initiative to serve on the Connecticut 
Bar Association's Task Force on the Future of Probate Court. He was 
also a staple at town meetings and local proceedings, providing legal 
advice and often cooling local issues of passion to the respectful, 
personable tone that they deserved. His thoughtful nature as a 
practicing lawyer always kept the town discussion purposeful and 
productive. As someone who practiced law for 27 years in nearby Tolland 
County, I did have the opportunity to work with Bill on real estate 
closings and an occasional civil matter. He was a true gentleman--very 
pragmatic, down to earth and cordial in all his dealings--kind of a 
modem-day Atticus Finch.
  Madam Speaker, Attorney St. Onge's passion for his home was a 
predominant presence throughout his life and career. His wife and 
children, Jane, Will and Caroline as well as his grandchildren and his 
many friends in Connecticut can attest to his caring, thoughtful 
approach to all he came into contact with. Although his long career is 
coming to an end, his family legacy of passion and work for his home 
will unquestionably go on to reverberate throughout the Town of Putnam 
and beyond for years to come. I can only hope that the example of his 
service is carried on and that hope he enjoys a fruitful retirement 
with his wife, children and grandchildren. To that end, I ask my 
colleagues in the House to join me in honoring and congratulating 
Attorney St. Onge for his dedication to the public and nearly 50-year 
exceptional career.