Former State Rep. Al Adinolfi From Cheshire Dies

CHESHIRE, CT — Former state Rep. Al Adinolfi, who served three separate stints in the state's House of Representatives, died Wednesday at the age of 85, writes The Cheshire Herald.

Adinolfi represented Cheshire, where he lived for more than 40 years, from 1998 to 2000, 2003 to 2008, and again from 2011 to 2017. He also served four terms on the Cheshire Town Council, and was a member of the Cheshire Republican Town Committee for more than 20 years.

State Senate Republican Leader Len Fasano praised Adinolfi for his service not just to Cheshire and Connecticut, but as United States Air Force veteran during the Korean War era.

"Representative Adinolfi gave so much to our country, our state and our community throughout his life," Fasano said. "A veteran who always worked to help our military members and their families, Al was selfless and generous. He served in the United State Air Force during the Korean War era and remained a vocal and strong advocate for veterans during his many years serving in the state legislature. He was a volunteer with the Connecticut Visiting Nurses Association in Wallingford and he was a champion for veterans, seniors and for his hometown of Cheshire and surrounding communities. My thoughts are with Al's family and friends during this difficult time. May we always remember and honor his life and legacy of service."

In a post on her Facebook page Thursday, state Rep. Liz Linehan, who was elected to the 103rd District seat in 2016 after Adinolfi decided not to seek re-election, shared similar sentiments about Adinolfi's military service, and she touched on the fun spirit of her former rival.

"On a personal note, Al always made me laugh," Linehan wrote. "Every time I saw him, he'd half-jokingly ask me to defect to the Republican party, saying I'd have a 'whole host of new friends.' He loved his wife so dearly, and we'd often speak about her, and it was obvious she was the light of his life. My deepest, heartfelt condolences to his family and all who knew him."

Funeral services for Adinolfi have not yet been announced.