Edward J. Speno

Edward J. Speno (September 23, 1920 – February 17, 1971) was an American lawyer and politician from New York.

Life

He was born on September 23, 1920, in Syracuse, New York. He attended the public and parochial schools in Auburn. He graduated from Niagara University in 1942. During World War II he served in the U.S. Navy.^[1] After the war he graduated from Cornell Law School. In 1946, he married Audrey Bernichon, and they had four children. In 1949, he moved to East Meadow, New York, and practiced law there.^[2]

Speno was a member of the New York State Senate from 1955 until his death in 1971, sitting in the 170th, 171st, 172nd, 173rd, 174th, 175th, 176th, 177th, 178th and 179th New York State Legislatures. He was Chairman of the Republican Conference of the State Senate.^[3]

He died during the legislative session on February 17, 1971, in St. Peter's Hospital in Albany, New York, of a heart attack.^[4]

His son Thomas Speno was arrested on May 9, 1972, and accused of possession of narcotics.^[5]

Sources

1. Senator Speno Dead At 50 in The Bethpage Tribune, of Old Bethpage, on February 18, 1971
2. New York Red Book (1967–1968; pg. 113)
3. Speno Condemns Violence In Society at G.O.P. Dinner in the Niagara Falls Gazette, of Niagara falls, on October 11, 1969
4. Senator Edward J. Speno Dies in the New York Times on February 18, 1971 (subscription required)
5. Speno's Son Is Arrested On Narcotics Charge on L.I. in the New York Times on May 10, 1972 (subscription required)