Ernest N. Abate
U.S. Marine Corps
2014
Ernest Abate, who was born and raised in New Haven, received his bachelor's degree in Political Science from Villanova University and his law degree from Notre Dame University. In 1967, Ernie joined the Marine Corps and began his active service in 1969. After completion of a six month-tour of advanced combat training at The Basic School, Quantico, Virginia, he was assigned to Force Troops, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, where he served as a Trial/Defense Attorney, Staff Judge Advocate, and Military Judge. As a Military Judge, he presided over 56 courts-martial. While he was released from active service in 1972, Ernie continued as an inactive reservist until 1978. He was honorably discharged as a Captain and is the recipient of the Navy Achievement Medal.
Ernie is a partner in the law firm of Abate & Abate in Stamford, where he began his practice in 1972. He was elected to the Connecticut House of Representatives in 1974 and over his tenure there was Chairman of the Legislature's Judiciary Committee and Speaker of the House. In 1984, he was selected by the U.S. Secretary of Defense to participate in a project involving civilian review and assessment of military installations and facilities.
Ernie’s service to our community, state and country is vast and impressive. Highlights include board service with Connecticut Public Television and Radio, Aid for the Retarded, Alcoholism Council, Child Guidance Center of Southern Connecticut, The Stamford Foundation, Senior Services of Stamford, Kids-In-Crisis, Lower Fairfield County Regional Action Council Against Drug Dependency, King & Low-Heywood Thomas School and Ferguson Library. He currently serves on the boards of Stamford Hospital, Stamford Health Systems and the Herbert and Nell Singer Foundation.