New Haveners Monday night mourned the passing of Leon Medvedow, a lifelong city servant and politician who was a mentor to Mayor John DeStefano.
Medvedow passed away Monday evening at the age of 82. After spending most of his life in New Haven, he moved to Milford in his later years.
Medvedow served as alderman from 1954 to 1962, then as city clerk under former Mayor Dick Lee for 14 years, from 1964 to 1978. He ran against Frank Logue for mayor in 1977. In the 1980s, Medvedow guided the city budget as chair of the now-defunct Board of Finance under Mayor Ben DiLieto’s administration.
After leaving public office, he continued to be an “an unofficial advisor” to Mayor John DeStefano “and in many ways a mentor to the mayor,” recalled Steve Mednick, a former Westville alderman who has been active in city politics for decades.
“He and the mayor were like father and son,” said Mednick.
Medvedow “served his city for his entire lifetime,” mentoring the next generation of politicians below him.
“He was our political godfather,” said Mednick said.
“He just gave of himself for the city of New Haven in everything he did.”
A funeral is set for 12 p.m. Wednesday at the Robert E. Shure Funeral Home at 543 George St. in New Haven. Family will begin receiving guests at 11 a.m.
Hope that Leon rests in peace. However, we can all thank him for John DeStefano.