Bernard Joseph Leddy

Who was Bernard Joseph Leddy?

Bernard Joseph Leddy was a United States federal judge. He was the 1958 Democratic party nominee for Governor of Vermont. At a time when Vermont was overwhelming Republican, Leddy lost to Robert Stafford by 719 votes after a recount.

Born in Underhill, Vermont, Leddy received his A.B. from St. Michael's College in 1931, and an LL.B. from Boston College Law School in 1934. He was an Alderman of the City of Burlington, Vermont from 1935 to 1940. He was an assistant U.S. Attorney of the District of Vermont from 1940 to 1954, and was a civilian aide for the U.S. Secretary of the Army from 1962 to 1966.

On August 16, 1966, Leddy was nominated by President Lyndon B. Johnson to a new seat on the United States District Court for the District of Vermont created by 80 Stat. 75. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on August 25, 1966, and received his commission the same day, serving as chief judge from 1969 until his death on January 9, 1972.

His son James P. Leddy was a state senator. His daughter Johannah is a state representative.

A park in Burlington is named in his honor.