Obituary of Hon. William Hepburn Bristol, Esq.
Age 74, died November 5, 2019 surrounded by loved ones. Bill, a graduate of Vanderbilt Law School, served as both City Court and County Court Judge during the 1980’s and 1990’s. He is credited with creating community service sentencing, a strategy to put non-violent offenders to work rather than jail sentencing. It was an approach later adopted by courts throughout the judicial system in New York State. A Democrat and Chronicle writer in a profile for “Upstate Magazine” described Judge Bristol as “tough, flamboyant, overbearing and fair.” In the same article, a former assistant public defender said, “I always felt I did my best in front of him. He has great energy mixed with toughness and a real healthy sense of humor.”
His years on the bench remained extraordinarily precious to Bill - years where he knew he truly touched peoples’ lives. His impact on justice followed him into private practice. He taught criminal procedure at both SUNY Buffalo School of Law, and at the University of Rochester where his class in Constitutional Principles was named in a 1994 student survey as “Best of the Best in Undergraduate School.” Other awards included the Nathaniel Award for Professional Achievement (the Daily Record, 1998), Distinguished Volunteer Service Award (United Way, 1991-1994) and Civic Award for Government (Rochester Metro Chamber of Commerce, 1991).
Along with legions of friends, Bill will be missed by his wife, Kathleen Leahy, daughters, Alexandra (John) Croll, Melissa Bristol; grandchildren, Daniel Croll, Olivia Croll and Alexandra Cooperman; brother, Bob Bristol.
To mark Bill’s passing, family and friends are invited to call, WEDNESDAY, 3-6 PM at Miller Funeral and Cremation Services (3325 Winton Rd S.). Where his memorial service will be celebrated at 6 PM in the chapel of the funeral home. The celebration will reflect Bill Bristol’s primary loves: justice, music, thoughtful conversation and intelligent humor.
Friends may contribute, in his memory, to Advent House (1010 Mosley Rd., Fairport, NY 14450) VISIT WEBSITE OR Legal Aid Society of Rochester (1 W Main St, Rochester, NY 14614) VISIT WEBSITE.