About Francis E. D'Urso

Theodore Roosevelt once said. . .
"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."

        Upon my graduation from North Haven High School, I enlisted enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.   After completion of basic training at Parris Island, South Carolina and Infantry training at Camp Geiger, North Carolina, I was assigned for duty to the Second Marine Division in a Motor Transport Unit. Subseqently, I was part of the buildup that sent many of us to the Republic of Viet-Nam where I served a thirteen month tour of duty. After a short assignment with a Marine Reserve Unit, I was Honorably Discharged. My awards for my service to my country include the Viet-Nam Service Ribbon, Viet-Nam Campaign Ribbon (with 3 stars to signify operations I participated in), Presidential Unit Citation, Viet Nam Cross of Gallantry Unit Citation, and the National Defense Service Ribbon.

        I decided, to pursue an education and enrolled at the University of New Haven and subsequently earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts. I was accepted to Western New England College, School of Law, earning a Doctor of Jurisprudence. I am admitted to the practice of law in the State of Connecticut as well as the United States District Court-District of Connecticut.

        Initially and for several years thereafter, my law practice was general in nature, having conducted trials in most areas of law, including several Homicide trials, Franchising matters, Family Law, Personal Injury Law and Commercial law. As years progressed I began to focus my energies in areas of business and real estate law, including the writing of business plans along with the other areas of law outlined on the home page.

        I have always considered myself to be that man in the arena, ready to pursue challegnes, be it in a Courtroom or in the Business arena.   New opportunities did emerge. My first new venture was the creation of one of the first mortgage companies owning a Fannie Mae License, which led to the creation of several offices around the State of Connecticut. While having successes (and failures), there was always one pursuit that ingrigued me, the culinary arts, learning the art of cooking and baking, although most of my knowledge had come from my mother. I went on to have over ten food businesses ranging from Ice Cream and Bakeries to Restaurants and Deli's. The name given to me by oldest son, "Culinary Counselor" currently owns a Pasta Sauce Company under the label "Anna's Simply Gourmet" and an internet gourmet food site under the name "italianfoodstore.com, and a mobile food venture "Cannolis on the Run. Thus the title "Counselor at Law and Culinary Arts".

       I am uniquely qualifited to assist you in your business pursuits, be it a new business, the expansion of an existing business, taking on partners , raising capital or selling your business.

      While the serious side of my endeavors is the dedication to the client needs, and the legal profession, I should note that I have on ocassion wandered off the reservation to pursue other challenges. Regardless, what is so valuable to you, the client, is the "experience" in the outside world of business, knowing how it operates and what it takes to survive and be successful as that man in the "Arena!" And yes, I do know how to fight for you!

     While I take pride in my accomplishments, the greatest achievement of all was earning the title of United States Marine, because without it ingrained in you as a recruit that the Marine Corps vocabulary does not include the word "quit", none of this would have been possible.

     I curently resides in Guilford, CT and is the proud father fo four wonderful children, Danielle, Marc, William and Eleanor . . . in addition, five Grandchildren, Natalie, Corrine, Austin, Tessa and Theo.