Senator William H. Nickerson (R-Greenwich) today offered a resolution in the Senate expressing sympathy on the death of former State Senator Michael L. Morano.  Senator Morano passed away on May 7, 2000 at his Greenwich home.  Members of Senator Morano’s family were invited to the Senate Chamber to participate in the ceremony.

Senator Morano’s tenure in public service lasted for twenty-eight years.  He was elected to the Connecticut State Legislature in 1961 was voted by his fellow legislators as “Outstanding Republican Freshman Legislator.”  During his eight terms in the House of Representatives he served in several leadership positions, including Deputy Speaker and Republican Whip.  Senator Morano was elected to the State Senate in 1976, and served the 36th District for six terms, which at the time consisted of Greenwich and North Stamford.  He served as the Senate Republican Majority Whip and as the Chairman of the Transportation Committee.

Senator Morano is best known for his efforts on behalf of transportation safety, and he supported such measures as the installation of median dividers on I-95, the ban on trucks in the left lane and the seat belt law.  After the collapse of the Mianus River Bridge in 1983, he was instrumental in dealing with local, state and federal officials.  His dedication was such that the Bridge now bears the name “The Michael Morano Bridge.”

“Senator Morano was a model for all of us to follow,” said Senator Nickerson.  “His hallmark was honor and integrity and he taught me a great lesson – that legislative work is not a war, it is a deliberative exercise to do the people’s business.  Keeping your word and respecting the integrity of others was at the center of his career.”

“On a personal basis Senator Morano was known to his family, friends and colleagues for his kindness and gentle nature,” said Senator Nickerson.   “As a legislator he championed causes that were important to his constituents, including tax relief, transportation safety and consumer issues, and he was a master at gaining bipartisan support for his legislation.  His passing is a great loss for Greenwich and for the State of Connecticut.”

Family members that were present at the Capitol today were his wife, Terry Morano, his son, Christopher Morano, his daughter, Fran Morano, and her children, Ben and Sarah Banister, his grandson and his wife, Robert and Paige Morano, and their newborn son, Michael Robert Morano.