HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) Lewis Rome, a former state Senate Republican leader and prominent GOP figure for six decades, has died. He was 81.

Rome died Wednesday evening, his Hartford law firm said. A cause of death wasn't immediately available Thursday.

Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy praised Rome for dedicating his career to public service. Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman said Rome's leadership in higher education leaves a legacy for students and his work in the community improved health care in the region.

Rome also served as chairman of the University of Connecticut Board of Trustees and unsuccessfully challenged Democratic Gov. William O'Neill in 1982. He led state Senate Republicans in the 1970s.

Sen. Len Fasano, the current Senate Republican leader, said Rome ``exemplified all of the critical qualities of leadership: decency, patience and selflessness.''