Chief Justice Emeritus Hugh Harding died today, aged 88, one day after his wife Marian.
Mrs Harding died yesterday, aged 85.
Judge Harding accompanied his wife to hospital yesterday and he died at home today.
Prof Harding, son of Judge William D. Harding was called to the Bar in 1949.
He was appointed lecturer in History of Legislation at the University a year later.
He served as Election Commissioner in the 1962, 1966 and 1971 general elections, and as Independence Referendum Commissioner in 1964.
Prof Harding was appointed Judge in November 1980 and served as Chief Justice from September 1987 till 1990. In 1991 he was appointed Chairman of the Permanent Law Reform Commission.
The government expressed its condolences to the Harding family and praised the former Chief Justice for his seriousness and integrity.
It also praised him for his work as a lawyer who assisted shipyard workers and for his research into Malta's legal history.