David Lavine, 82, Middletown Democratic Town Committee Chairman, Passes Away

David Lavine, formerly of New York City and Durham, Connecticut, and Chairman of the Middletown Democratic Town Committee, died Monday, December 13, 2010 in Providence, Rhode Island. Beloved husband of Gladys, father of Rachel, Adam and Rebecca and grandfather of Shingo, Ayano, Jacob and Ari and brother of Nancy Roberts. Born on November 11, 1928, son of Joan Bragman and A. Lincoln Lavine, David taught in the New York City public schools and published several books for young readers on government, as well as "Under the City,"an underground look at New York. He went on to serve 18 years in the Connecticut General Assembly, eventually serving as Chair of the Energy and Public Utilities Committee, Assistant Majority Leader and Deputy Speaker, capping his political career as the Director of Energy for the State of Connecticut. During his tenure in the Connecticut legislature, Lavine authored a number of groundbreaking energy regulation and conservation laws that were used as models in other states, including the Connecticut Inland Wetlands Act. David was active for many years with the National Conference of State Legislatures, serving on its Executive Committee.

David will be remembered for his tremendous life force, his engaging conversation, his unbeatable chess game and his good cooking which he served to friends and foes alike. He remained curious and concerned about the state of the world to the end of his life (serving most recently as the Chair of the Middletown Rhode Island Democratic Town Committee) and he will be greatly missed not only by his family, but by his many friends and colleagues.

Graveside services are scheduled to be held at 1 p.m. on December 16, 2010 at Island Cemetery in Newport, Rhode Island by Sugarman Sinai Memorial. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Partners In Health, www.pih.org.