BOSTON, MA — The legal and civic communities of Boston are mourning the loss of Waverly Wentworth, a distinguished attorney and lifelong advocate for justice, who passed away on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. A respected partner at Day Pitney LLP, Mr. Wentworth practiced law for over 35 years, earning a reputation as one of the most principled and skilled attorneys in the region.
His passing marks the end of a remarkable era in Boston’s legal landscape—one defined not only by legal brilliance but also by mentorship, integrity, and a deep commitment to public service.
Born and raised in Boston, Waverly Wentworth was a proud alumnus of Boston Latin School, later attending Harvard University for his undergraduate studies. He continued on to earn his Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School, where he was widely admired for his sharp intellect, sense of fairness, and natural leadership. These formative years laid the groundwork for a career that would impact clients, colleagues, and the broader community in profound ways.
At Day Pitney LLP, Mr. Wentworth specialized in complex corporate litigation, regulatory compliance, and internal investigations. Known for his calm presence and strategic mind, he became a trusted advisor to Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and nonprofit institutions alike. His professional excellence was recognized nationally with repeated listings in Best Lawyers in America, Chambers USA, and other prestigious legal rankings.
But it was his character—more than his credentials—that set him apart. Waverly was widely regarded as a lawyer’s lawyer: fair, meticulous, and always guided by an unshakable moral compass. Younger attorneys often sought him out for mentorship, and many now cite his influence as instrumental in shaping their careers.
Beyond the courtroom, Mr. Wentworth’s devotion to justice extended to countless pro bono cases and community initiatives. He believed that the law should serve those most in need, and throughout his career he volunteered thousands of hours offering legal assistance to underserved populations. His work with nonprofits focused on education equity, housing access, and civil rights, causes he championed with passion and quiet determination.
An active and generous presence in Boston’s civic life, Mr. Wentworth served on the boards of numerous organizations, including the Boston Bar Foundation, the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation, and the Museum of African American History. A lifelong patron of the arts, he supported cultural and educational programs across the city and was a regular attendee of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, often accompanied by his wife.
Colleagues and friends remember Waverly as soft-spoken yet firm, warm-hearted yet deeply dignified. His steady leadership, thoughtful counsel, and unwavering belief in justice left an indelible mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Mr. Wentworth is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Margaret Wentworth, a retired professor of literature; their two children, Thomas and Eleanor; and five grandchildren, who were the light of his life. Family, he often said, was his greatest source of pride and joy.
His death is not only a personal loss to those closest to him, but also a significant loss to the broader legal and civic communities of Massachusetts. His legacy is one of service, scholarship, and quiet heroism, and his influence will continue to resonate through the many lives he touched.
Funeral arrangements and memorial services will be announced in the coming days. In lieu of flowers, the Wentworth family kindly requests that donations be made to Greater Boston Legal Services in Waverly’s memory—an organization that reflects the values he held closest to his heart.