Retired Conn. Chief Justice Robert Callahan dies

NORWALK, Conn. (AP) — Former Connecticut Chief Justice Robert J. Callahan, who served on the state's highest court for 14 years, has died. He was 82.

His son, Robert J. Callahan Jr., said Wednesday his father died at 7:30 p.m. New Year's Day at Norwalk Hospital, in the company of his wife and eight children. Callahan said his father had suffered from Parkinson's disease.

Callahan retired in 1999 after three years as chief justice. He was named to the state supreme court in 1985 after serving as a prosecutor, circuit court and superior court judge.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said Callahan "made a lasting impact on Connecticut."

Callahan authored hundreds of opinions, and led an initiative to improve trust and confidence in the courts.

The Norwalk native graduated from Boston College and Fordham University Law School. He served in the Army.