This past Sunday, hundreds of Francis Bellotti's peers, family members, friends, and admirers gathered outside of the Quincy District Court to honor the former lieutenant governor, Massachusetts attorney general, and legal legend, in the dedication and renaming of the Courthouse in his name.
Attorney Peter Bellotti, Frank's son and president of Bellotti Law Group, was in attendance, along with his siblings, mother, and other relatives. Attorney Bellotti stated that "My family and I are exceedingly grateful and flattered by this honor bestowed upon my father. There are others in the Quincy community that were equally deserving and that's why we were so humbled."
After a lifetime of influential public service and countless trials and court cases, Francis Bellotti has earned his reputation as one of the most accomplished and prolific Massachusetts attorneys and public figures in recent history. Attorney Peter Bellotti stated further that "It is exceptionally rare for a person to possess the talent, dedication, and zeal to reshape a field like law, which is so deeply rooted in tradition and history... my dad did just that. I consistently hear from lawyers of all ages how he influenced the way they practice, for the better, and from people in the community about his good works in public service." Peter remembers fondly and vividly all that way back to his elementary school days, as early as 3rd or 4th grade, when his dad would occasionally take him out of school and into court. Attorney Bellotti remembers the excitement of the courtroom and many of the players, including the judge, witnesses, and others. He credits this early exposure with instilling in him the passion he still feels today for the practice of law. He thanks his dad, personally, for that.
Attorney Bellotti's colleague, added additional praise for Frank's lifetime of achievements, noting specifically his transformation of the office of the attorney general, not just in Massachusetts, but on the national stage. Attorney Nadeau noted that "As a veteran attorney, I appreciate the deep commitment to the profession required to successfully practice law. Frank dedicated a tremendous amount of time and energy, more than anyone, to better the lives of everyone in the community. At age 89, he still works harder than most people I know."
According to Frank O'Brien, chairman of the Norfolk County Commissioners and Bellotti's friend for over 50 years, "Some people leave public office and are only remembered for a very short while...But as proven here today, after leaving the AG's office in 1987, Frank Bellotti has been remembered, and will be remembered, for many, many years to come."
In all, the attorneys and staff at Bellotti Law Group, P.C. are proud of what Frank has accomplished and offer their congratulations on an honor well deserved.