Rocco Ierardi, practicing at the bar of New Haven, was born in Italy on the 20th of May 1877, a son of Pasquale Ierardi, who was likewise a native of that sunny land, where for thirty-five years he devoted his attention to the profession of civil engineering and surveying, having charge of the old ducal palace of Sforza. He was likewise active in civic affairs and in the public life of the community took a helpful interest. He wedded Marie Francolini, also a native of Italy, and she still survives her husband. They became the parents of nine children, all of whom are yet living.

  Rocco Ierardi, the third in order of birth, acquired a grammar school education in his native country and at the age of twelve years came alone to the United States, making his way direct to New York, where he lived with his uncle, Joseph N. Francolini, president of the Italian Savings Bank of that city and one of the organizers of the leading Italian savings banks of the United States. While living with his uncle Mr. Ierardi attended the public schools of New York and when his textbooks were put aside he entered his uncle’s bank, which was then a private banking institution. After living with his uncle for five years he removed to New Haven and was employed in various manufacturing plants of this city, doing much hard labor in that connection. He also spent six months as timekeeper at the Branford lock works and afterward secured a position in the private bank of Paul Russo. He devoted some time to journalism as a member of the staff of the Star of Italy, an Italian paper, and in 1896 he was appointed a teacher in the night schools by Professor Kendall, then superintendent of schools of New Haven. He taught elemental classes in the evening schools and continued in educational work for five years. In the meantime he was appointed interpreter of the city court of New Haven in 1898 and continued in that position for a period of eight years. This awakened his interest in the law and constituted the initial step of his preparation for the bar. Entering Yale, he was graduated from the law department in 1904 with the LL. B. degree and immediately entered upon private practice, in which he has since continued. His clientage has constantly grown in volume and importance and he has been connected with various cases which have called forth pronounced ability. He has never specialized along a single branch but has continued in general practice and in a profession where advancement depends entirely upon individual merit and ability he has made steady progress. He belongs to the New Haven County, the Connecticut State and the American Bar Associations.

  In politics Mr. Ierardi has always been a stalwart republican since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. In 1908 he was appointed assistant city attorney by Judge Mathewson and in 1913 he received the appointment of city attorney from Judges Booth and O’Meara. In 1915 he was appointed clerk of the city court for a two years’ term and is therefore the present incumbent in the office. He has always taken an active part in politics and civic matters and is much interested in all those questions which have to do with public welfare and municipal improvement.

  On the 21st of September, 1908, Mr. Ierardi was married in New Haven to Miss Agiolina Nicolari, a native of Italy and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Diego Nicolari, who were early settlers of New Haven, where the father was well known in musical circles as master of the Nicolari Band. He died in 1903, while his widow still survives. Mr. and Mrs. Ierardi have two sons: Francis P., born in New Haven, August 11, 1909; and Ernest M., born November 24, 1912.

  The religious faith of the family is that of the Roman Catholic church, and they are connected with St. Anthony’s parish. Mr. Ierardi also has membership with the Knights of Pythias, the Red Men and the Elks, with the Union League Club and the New Haven Yacht Club. He has ever been a man of broad interests, taking active part in the social and political life of the city, but makes his professional duties his chief interest and has made for himself a most creditable position as a law practitioner of New Haven.