The Virginia Supreme Court's first black chief justice, Leroy R. Hassell Sr., died on Wednesday in a Richmond Hospital after succumbing to a long illness.
Hassel stepped down from the court's top position last month but remained a member even though he missed the January session. He joined the court in 1989 as the second African American and then became the chief judge in 2003.
An outpouring of condolences has followed news of Hassel's death.
"It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of the Honorable Leroy Hassell, a personal friend who will be greatly missed," Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell said in a statement.
"Virginia has lost a brilliant legal mind, accomplished jurist and devoted public servant," he said. "Leroy had an unmatched passion and excitement for the rule of law."
A native of Norfolk, Hassel graduated from the University of Virginia and Harvard law school where he worked for the Civil Liberties Review.
He then made a name for himself at the Richmond-based McGuireWoods law firm, becoming partner ahead of schedule.
During his career on the bench, he made special efforts to accommodate the mentally and physically disabled.
Hassel was 55 and is survived by his wife, Linda, two daughters and a son.
