Fairfield Republicans Pay Tribute to Late Senator

[Editor's note: The following was submitted by James Millington, Chairman of the Fairfield Republican Town Committee.]

On Friday April 12, 2013, Former State Senator Fred (Ted) Lovegrove Jr. passed away following a long illness. He lived an accomplished and amazing life. This is a small portion of his life story and the recollections of his friends and colleagues:

As a young man, Ted would tell friends that he developed a strong sense of purpose to give back to his community and country. After attending Villanova University and after being honorably discharged from the Army in 1963, a young Ted Lovegrove began working and found a true passion in politics.  

Ted told friends he was bothered by the inefficiencies in government. Ted became actively involved in the Connecticut Young Republicans and would eventually become Chairman of the organization. Ted’s focus in politics in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s was to get young people excited about politics and to provide training to these young recruits to make them effective political operatives. He moved throughout the state organizing Young Republicans and opening lines of communications. Ted knew that through efficient recruitment statewide he could build a strong movement and he did.

Former State Representative Cathy Tymniak (R-133) met Ted Lovegrove when she was a member of the young republicans.  Cathy referred to Ted as an astute politician who worked behind the scenes very effectively and, as a result, became a highly respected Young Republican in Washington circles.  Ted would often travel to Washington to meet with members of the National Republican Leadership.

By the mid 1970’s, Ted had become a staff member at the National Conservative Political Action Committee which was led by native Fairfielder Terry Dolan. Ted’s work ethic and effectiveness impressed Terry who a highly respected political insider in some of Washington’s most elite circles.  Terry’s praise of Ted’s ability won Ted instant acceptance and credibility in the very same circles of influence.

Professionally in the mid 1970’s Ted had gone to work for Paul Hiller Associates, a Real Estate company in Greenfield.  Fairfield’s former Chief Financial Officer Paul Hiller also worked for his father’s firm at the time with Ted. Paul reflected on those days stating “I had the honor of knowing Ted Lovegrove since the mid 1970's. In those ‘early’ days I could immediately sense the dedication that Ted had first to his nation, state and town, but in a close second place was his dedication and fervor to the Republican Party.  Never would Ted get involved in a conversation without explaining why the Republican Party was perhaps, in his mind, the only salvation to our political problems.”

In 1976, Ted would set his sights on helping Ronald Reagan become President.  Ted would continue to make his mark in Washington politics, not just as the Chairman of the Connecticut Young Republicans, but as a strategic advisor.  Although Reagan would not win in 1976, Ted was determined that they would succeed. Paul Hiller stated that Ted developed “close relationships with Roger Stone and Charlie Black who would become chief political operatives in the 1980 Ronald Reagan Presidential campaign and eventually the White House.” Paul Hiller, who was the Fairfield Republican Chairman from 1977 to 1980, stated that Ted “was always willing and ready to assist in any effort.”

In 1980, Ted would succeed Paul Hiller as the Fairfield Republican Town Chairman and helped elect Ronald Reagan President. Roger Autouri, Registrar of Voters, stated that Ted “brought back energy to the party that had been beaten down by the Sullivan regime and made possible the success of Jacky Durrell and many Republicans still in office today." By this time, Ted had also opened his own real estate company in Fairfield named it Lovegrove Real Estate. 

With the strong encouragement of friends and supporters, Ted Lovegrove decided to come out from working behind the scenes and run for State Senate.  All those years of working for and with candidates and elected officials would pay off as Ted headed into a crowded field of candidates. Ted won a contested convention, primary and eventually the general election to become State Senator Ted Lovegrove in 1982.

Ted would serve in the State Senate from 1982 until 1998 and held the positions of Assistant Minority Leader, Deputy Minority Leader and Assistant Majority Leader. Former Selectman Jill Kelly worked with Ted for many years.  When Ted was elected to the Senate, Jill would manage the office at Lovegrove Real Estate while Ted was in Hartford. Upon reflecting on her years with Ted, Jill stated “Ted had the messiest desk in the entire world yet he knew where every single slip of paper was and could pull the right document out of the tangle of stuff in an instant… I know he is in a better place now but I am very saddened by his loss.”

In addition to his love of real estate and politics, Ted loved animals. Ted’s love of animals was so well known that on a trip to Washington the Reagan’s asked Ted to stop by to show him their new dog. 

State Representative Brenda Kupchick (R-132) stated, “When I was a young mother,  I read a story about then State Senator Lovegrove putting forth legislation to protect animals after a transport truck filled with puppies in small crates had an accident on I95. The puppies were found in deplorable conditions being transported from inhumane puppy mills.  I remember reading the story and thinking here's an important elected official who is taking the time to care about innocent puppies. I came to know Ted well after that and admired him every day since. Fairfield was lucky to have such an honorable and compassionate man representing us”.

During his tenure in the State Senate, Ted was known as a strong fiscal conservative. Former State Representative Elinor Wilbur fondly remembered driving up to Hartford and often seeing Ted on the way up his beloved pick-up truck. Elinor stated “although Ted was more conservative than me, we were always able to work everything out... he was a gentleman.”  Cathy Tymniak remembered that no matter how late a session would go Ted would make sure he was home at night.

Judge of Probate and former State Representative Dan Caruso stated, “I have had the pleasure to have known Senator Lovegrove since the early 1970’s and served with him in the General Assembly in the late 80’s and early 90’s. He was a man of strong convictions who acted on them. Likewise, when he was elected to the Senate he sought to limit the out of control state spending and steadfastly opposed the income tax, knowing that government devourers all it is feed and still wants more."

"At the same time, he was passionate about people in need and our environment," Dan continued. He helped established the first statewide bone-marrow registry to assist those needing donations and introduced the duck conservation stamp program to help voluntarily fund statewide environmental programs. Moreover, he pushed for and enabled the reintroduction of the wild turkeys and pheasants so proficient today, for which reason, whenever I see a wild turkey along the parkway, I think of Ted: a notoriety and a phraseology which made him chuckle as well. I will miss him.”

Former State Representative Jack Stone stated, “Ted was an unassuming and effective legislator who was very dedicated to both his district and his responsibilities as a State Senator. He will be missed.”

Former Republican Town Committee Chairman Nancy Matthews stated, “What I remember most about Ted was that he had certain principles from which he did not deviate.  He was very thrifty and was firmly committed to ensuring that the taxpayer's money was used wisely and that the government spent within its means. He was well known as a protector of the public. I remember his last campaign in which his opponent was very well financed- outspent Ted two to one-his opponent tried to cast Ted as a tax and spend Senator. I was in front of district one when a Fairfield voter approached Ted's opponent and said (paraphrase) ‘The idea that Ted is a tax and spend liberal is ludicrous! Everyone in town knows Ted is a very thrifty guy who looks out for the taxpayer and will not vote to raise taxes! Wish we had more Teds today!’”

In 1998, Ted decided to retire from the Senate and endorsed John McKinney.  John would go on to win the seat which he holds today as the Senate Minority Leader. Upon reflecting on Ted, Senator McKinney stated “I am deeply saddened by the loss of a good friend and former state senator for the 28th district Ted Lovegrove. After he made the difficult decision not to seek re-election in 1998 after 16 years of outstanding service as our state senator, Ted was the first person to reach out to me and encourage me to run for public office. Over the past 14 years, Ted Lovegrove was a valuable resource to me and I will miss his advice as well as his friendship. Although he is no longer with us, Ted's legacy lives on. Even today, his love of animals and wildlife and his work to protect them are still discussed at the State Capitol.”

Cathy Tymniak fondly remembers Ted as “a Reagan Republican and well respected leader both on the State and National level. Ted was also an advocate for animals and championed their welfare”.

Town Clerk Betsy Browne stated, “Ted was a gentleman in the State Legislature and around town. He was a great mentor to many of us as young Republicans who now hold office today."

Former Registrar of Voters Joan O’Rourke described Ted as a “true statesman who would listen to you and help you understand why he voted ‘yea or nay’… a master at being a friend to all… a once in a lifetime true friend friend”  She went on to say “I will miss you Ted. Your true friendship will be cherished forever”.

State Representative Tony Hwang reflected on Ted’s life stating "Ted's legacy of public service will be remembered and his contributions are greatly appreciated by the communities he served. I want to extend my sympathies to his wife, Shari and family, as Fairfield has lost one its community leaders. He will be missed." 

Former Republican Town Committee Chairman and Selectman Steve Elworthy relayed the following story in Ted’s memory: “I had a very good friend back when Ted was a relatively new state senator. I had a Great deal of respect for this man's opinion. This friend told me that he loved Ted.  That was because he voted against ALL new laws. I cannot testify that this was true, though I had the chance to ask Ted if this was the case some years later, before I was involved in the process.  Ted, as I recall, stated that 'Yes that is true, though, the whole Truth is I want to 'repeal', some others.' He went on to say, that we have too many laws and that infringes on the most important aspect of our country. 'That we must be free!'”

Republican Town Committee Chairman James Millington stated, “I had the pleasure of working on Senator Lovegrove’s last campaign in 1996. In the years that followed Ted was a source of advice and guidance. Ted did not often speak publically but when he did people listened. He had a depth of knowledge and his strategic way of thinking was impressive. We have lost a great friend and inspirational leader.”

Paul Hiller stated, “Ted was highly principled, a true Conservative before it became fashionable, and most importantly a man of integrity and honesty.  I have lost a good friend and confidant.”

After leaving office in 1998, Ted was appointed as a Commission at the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services. In the final years of his life, Ted stepped back from politics. He spent time with his family and his animals included his chickens.

Ted leaves behind his loving wife, Shari Keeley Lovegrove, and their daughter, Abigail E. Lovegrove, in addition to many other family members and friends.

All services will be private.