Prominent attorney killed in New Year’s Day crash in Bridgeport

The legal community in Bridgeport is mourning the loss of a prominent attorney who was killed in a crash on Fairfield Avenue on New Year’s Day.

News 12 Staff

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Jan 2, 2020, 10:54 AM

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Updated 1,580 days ago

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The legal community in Bridgeport is mourning the loss of a prominent attorney who was killed in a crash on Fairfield Avenue on New Year’s Day.

Police say a minivan driven by 50-year-old Keith Commerford, of Bridgeport, was traveling at a high rate of speed on Fairfield Avenue when it hit an SUV driven by 50-year-old Peter Tsimbidaros. The SUV then slammed into a utility pole.

At the time, Tsimbidaros was heading to his parents’ home for dinner around 4 p.m. He was later pronounced dead at Bridgeport Hospital.

Police say Commerford received a misdemeanor summons on Tuesday in connection with an unrelated hit-and-run accident that also occurred in Bridgeport. Police say he has an extensive criminal record – including manslaughter, illegal gun possession and risk of injury to a child.

On Thursday, parishioners headed to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church on Park Avenue to remember Tsimbidaros, who many say was proud of his Greek American background.

“The family's in shock and the whole community is devastated. We lost a great man," said Father Georgios Livaditis.

Calling hours are set for 11 a.m. on Monday at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church with the funeral afterward at 12:30 p.m.