Archives of Maryland
(Biographical Series)

Anselm Sodaro (1911-2002)
MSA SC 3520-13926
Associate Judge, Baltimore City Supreme Bench, 1956-1975
Chief Judge, Baltimore City Supreme Bench, 1975-1980

Biography:

Born, Enna, Sicily, Italy on September 9, 1910.  Son of Michael and Nunzia (d. 1977) Sodaro; two brothers, Manuel and Joseph.  Immigrated to the United States, 1916.  Graduated Baltimore City College, 1927.  Received B.Ph., Loyola College, 1931; LL.B., University of Maryland Law School, 1934.  Admitted to the bar, December 5, 1938.  Married, Ella Quotadamo (d. 1962), 1938; Mildred Brit Glass, 1985.  Three children, Stephanie Sodaro Esworthy, Susanne Sodaro, and Christine Sodaro. Died, Baltimore, Maryland, July 28, 2002.

Attorney, New Amsterdam Causality Company, 1934-1938.  Assistant State's Attorney, Baltimore City, 1938-1950.  Elected State's Attorney, Baltimore City, 1950; re-elected, 1954.  Prosecuted a number of high profile cases, including the Grammer murder case in 1952. Appointed to the Supreme Bench of Baltimore City by Gov. Theodore R. McKeldin, December 11, 1956.  Elevated to Chief Judge by Gov. Marvin Mandel, September 2, 1975. Administrative Judge, Baltimore City Supreme Bench, September, 1975, until July, 1978.  Retired, January 1, 1980.  As a judge, noted for his temperament; in 1998, the Maryland State Bar Association introduced the Judge Anselm Sodaro Judicial Civility Award.  While Chief Judge, introduced affirmitive-action plan for Court House jobs.  Pushed historic preservation efforts of Baltimore City Court House.  Member, Elks Club; Italian-American Civic Club, Appian Society.

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