Americo S. Ventura, founder of Ventura Law in Danbury, passed away Friday.   Ventura was the son of Portuguese immigrants, a United States Army Veteran, and the former Chief Prosecutor in the city of Danbury.  Ventura founded his law firm 60 years ago.  He had partnered with Dianne Andersen, the first female lawyer in Danbury in 1957, and hired Danbury's first African American attorney, Connecticut Court of Appeals Judge Thomas G. West.

Ventura was recently honored for 60 years of service to the legal community by the Danbury Bar Association and received numerous recognitions and proclamations from the City of Danbury and the U.S. Senate for his pro bono and community service.

The firm said in a statement that they have lost a great leader and his passing will be felt throughout the community and the entire legal profession.  For the past 60 years, Ventura was a fixture in Danbury, providing legal services built on the principle of compassionate service and giving back to the community.   He believed that the law was an honorable profession, one of service and esteem.  He was in active practice until his passing.

Augie Ribeiro, who serves as Ventura Law's CEO, says they will celebrate his legacy by continuing to serve their clients and the community with the zeal and compassion Ventura stood for.