Richard Hennessy
/ file photo
SYRACUSE -- Former three-term Onondaga County District Attorney Richard Hennessy has passed away at the age of 75. He was waiting for heart by-pass surgery when he died overnight.
The legal community is remembering Hennessy for his easy going style. Attorney John Cirando worked side-by-side with the former prosecutor in the District Attorney's office for 17 years. They two talked just last week about current cases they are working on as defense counsel. Cirando said of Hennessy, "His hallmark was his smile and his Irish twinkle in his eyes."
Cirando recalled a meeting at the D.A's office that was interrupted by a reporter from the newspaper. Hennessy welcomed the reporter and answered her questions before returning to the work at hand.
Hennessy prosecuted some of the biggest cases in county history, including the Morris Goldfeld arson case. He also hired current District Attorney William Fitzpatrick. Hennessy held the office for three terms until an upset Election Night loss to Robert Wildridge in 1987.
Calling hours are scheduled for Monday afternoon at Blessed Sacrament Church in the Eastwood section of Syracuse. The funeral will be at Blessed Sacrament on Tuesday morning.
