Ira Bernard Grudberg

Ira Bernard Grudberg passed away peacefully, at home, on March 18 in the loving care of his wife Johanna Cashman. Ira was born on August 6, 1933 to Dorothy and Michael Grudberg of the Bronx, NY. Ira graduated valedictorian of Stratford High School in 1951 and went on to continue his studies at Yale. Ira felt called to serve his country and despite his mother’s protests, he took a leave of absence from Yale to join the US Army Signal Corps where he served proudly for two years. In 1957, Ira graduated magna cum from Yale College where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and then graduated cum laude from the Yale Law School.

After graduation, he clerked for Judge J. Joseph Smith of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and then joined the practice of Jacobs, Jacobs, Jacobs and Jacobs. As friend and colleague Willie Dow wrote, “Within a few brief years, he was a bright, bright star in the CONN. criminal justice constellation… Ira was a tremendously hard worker, spectacularly innovative, a wonderful trial lawyer and someone who took great pride in his work and representation of the justly and unjustly accused. He had that unique one name identifier- everybody knew who Ira was; you don't need the last name- and was known throughout the state and beyond… He loved practicing law.” Ira spent over 50 years of his professional life devoted to the New Haven law firm that ultimately became Jacobs, Grudberg, Belt, Dow & Katz. He took great pride as the firm grew over the years, welcoming younger lawyers who shared Ira's dedication to exceptional legal work, and helping guide and inspire them. He truly loved the practice of law, and worked tirelessly for his clients.

Ira is described by friend Judge Ed Dolan as “a brilliant man. - there was no better lawyer in Connecticut.” Ira represented everyone- the poor, the rich, the famous and the infamous. Each client was treated with kindness and care. Ira’s sharp legal mind was matched only by his irreverent wit, making him a formidable opponent and an unforgettable friend. The hundreds of notes of gratitude that he received and saved over the years tell the story of the real story- he was more than a lawyer- Ira was a counselor, a confidant and a man who truly cared.

Ira was a long-time resident of Woodbridge where he and his former wife raised their five children. Ira married his wife Johanna (Joke) in 2017 after a long and loving partnership. Ira proudly referred to Joke as “the love of my life.” The couple enjoyed traveling, casually entertaining friends, dining out at their regular spots, and faithfully watching the Yankees and UCONN women’s basketball games.

Ira was predeceased by his former wife, and life-long friend Marguerite Grudberg. Ira is survived by his five children, David Grudberg (Elisabeth Gillooly) of North Haven, Peter Grudberg of Quechee VT, Michael Grudberg (Lorena Lopes) of NY, Mark Grudberg of New Haven, and Sarah Grudberg (William Corrigan) of West Roxbury, MA. He leaves his grandchildren: Clara, Patrick, Brendan, and Katharine, and June and Will Corrigan. He is also survived by Joke’s children Lucien Beccia (Ann) of Madison and Cathy Lynch of Madison and their children Anna Beccia and Makenzie, Tess and Jack Lynch. Ira was predeceased by Cathy’s husband Stephen Lynch and the Beccia’s daughter Eliza.

Arrangements for a Celebration of Life are pending and will be announced at a later date.