William John Raggio

William John Raggio Jr. was one of Nevada's most respected legal and public figures, whose career in the law spanned six decades. Born in Reno on October 30, 1926, he was admitted to the Nevada bar in 1951 and began his legal career as an Assistant District Attorney of Washoe County in 1952. He went on to serve as Washoe County District Attorney from 1958 to 1970, earning a national reputation as a prosecutor - he was named Outstanding Prosecutor in the United States in 1965 and was elected president of the National District Attorneys Association in 1967.

After his years as a prosecutor, Raggio built a distinguished career in private practice, becoming a prominent gaming attorney in a state where that field was central to the economy. His legal work and command of public policy earned him wide admiration among colleagues and were the foundation for a long and consequential career in public service.

In 1972 Raggio was elected to the Nevada State Senate, representing Washoe County's 3rd district, a seat he held until his retirement in 2011. He became the longest-serving member in the history of the State Senate, leading his caucus as both minority and majority floor leader over many sessions and serving as chairman of the powerful Senate Finance Committee. Remembered as a legislative institution and a skilled attorney, William John Raggio Jr. died on February 24, 2012, at the age of 85.