LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Commonwealth’s Attorney for Jefferson County Thomas B. Wine has passed away after a brief illness. His office announced the death at 11 a.m. on Saturday. Wine’s family has asked for privacy at this time, his office shared.

What You Need To Know

  • The Commonwealth's Attorney for Jefferson County Thomas B. Wine has passed away after a brief illness

  • His family has asked for privacy at this time 

  • Elected officials in the state from both political parties lauded Wine for his years of service in the justice system for Kentucky

  • Wine's career included stints in the Kentucky Attorney General's Office, the Kentucky Court of Appeals and the Jefferson Circuit Court before running for the Commonwealth's Attorney's office.

Gov. Andy Beshear (D) said that he was grateful for Wine’s years of service. 

Condolences began pouring in when the news of Wine's passing came out.

Chief Justice of the Commonwealth, Laurance VanMeter said, "Tom’s life was devoted to service of the citizens of Jefferson County and the Commonwealth of Kentucky. He was a beloved member of our Court of Justice family, serving for two decades as a judge before his election as Commonwealth’s Attorney in 2012. Tom was known for his kind heart, his integrity, his dedication to his family, and his commitment to his work. He approached all issues thoughtfully and with due respect for those impacted."

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg (D) said he was saddened to learn of Wine’s passing. “Tom served our city as Commonwealth Attorney with honor, dedication and compassion,” he said.

Russell Coleman (R), a former U.S. attorney and candidate for attorney general of Kentucky, said Wine was a “lifelong lawman,” who served the city and Commonwealth as a prosecutor or judge for decades. “Tom Wine was my friend and brother in Christ,” Coleman said.

Wine served as the Jefferson County Commonwealth’s Attorney for the last 10 years. He was first elected Commonwealth’s Attorney in 2012 and was elected to a second term in 2018.

Prior to being elected Commonwealth’s Attorney, Wine served in the justice system as both a prosecutor and a judge. He became an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for Jefferson County in Oct. 1980 under Mayor David Armstrong. In 1982, he was awarded Prosecutor of the Year for his work.

His career also involved stints in the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office and Jefferson County Circuit Court Judge. In 2006, Gov. Ernie Fletcher appointed him to the Kentucky Court of Appeals, where he served for nearly six years before stepping down to run for Commonwealth’s Attorney.

Wine was recognized for his work in criminal justice. In 2009, he received the Fair Administration of Justice Award from the Kentucky Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He was awarded the Community Service Award from the Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO in 1996 and also was appointed to serve on the Jefferson County Racial Fairness Commission in 2000.

In his biography, Wine shared that he was an active volunteer with Cubs Scouts and Boy Scouts, and was given the Silver Beaver Award in 2012, the highest award a Boy Scout Council can give to a volunteer.

Funeral services for Wine will take place Saturday, May 13, 2023, at Southeast Christian Church.

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