STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — After decades of service, New York State Supreme Court Justice Judith N. McMahon is hanging up her robe.
A retirement party with 200 well wishers was held at Casa Belvedere, the Italian Cultural Center on Grymes Hill.
The New York State Court Officers who presented the colors. (Courtesy/Office of the Richmond County District Attorney)Staten Island Advance
Well wishers gather at Casa Belvedere for Justice Judith McMahon’s Retirement Party. (Courtesy/Office of the Richmond County District Attorney)(Courtesy/Office of Richmond County District Attorney)
Supreme Court Justice Orlando (Lindy) Marrazzo Jr., who helped organize the retirement party, and Justice Judith N. McMahon. (Courtesy/Office of Richmond County District Attorney)Judy
e.
Senator Andew Lanza and Justice Judith McMahon. (Courtesy/Office of the Richmond County District Attorney)Judy
From left, District Attorney Michael McMahon, Justice Judith McMahon, Borough President Vito Fossella and Mary Pat Fossella. (Courtesy/Office of the Richmond County District Attorney)Judy
Former Senator Diane Savino and attorney, Chris Caputo. (Courtesy/Office of Richmond County District Attorney)Judy
From the left, Lillian Lagazzo, Judith N. McMahon and retired Deputy Borough President Ed Burke. (Courtesy/Office of Richmond County District Attorney)Judy
From the left, Jay Duskin and Chris Caputo (Courtesy/Office of the Richmond County District Attorney)Staten Island Advance
From left, Ken Mitchell, District Attor Michael McMahon, Eileen Martine, Justice Judith N. McMahon, Rev. Michael Martine and Supreme Court Justice Lisa Grey. (Courtesy/Office of Richmond County District Attorney)Judy
Rev. Michael Martine, pastor of Holy Rosary R.C. Church, offered an invocation: “We gather this evening with gratitude . . . Bless this time together — our conversations, our laughter, and our memories. We are grateful for the years this judge has dedicated to fairness, compassion, and the careful pursuit of truth. May the decisions made, the lives impacted, and the integrity shown be lasting testaments to a life’s work well done.”
District Attorney Michael McMahon, the husband of Justice McMahon, said:
“I’m so proud to be the husband of Justice Judy McMahon who has had such a distinguished career. Thank you to all for coming out tonight. It’s my honor to see Supreme Court justices here tonight including Federal Court Judge Eric N. Vitaliano and William Mastro,” he said. “Staten Island’s elite are here. And so many from the Detective’s Endowment Association watching outside. Thank you. We all wish you a a happy and healthy retirement.”
District Attorney Michael McMahon addresses the crowd. (Courtesy/Office of the District Attorney)(Courtesy/Office of Richmond County District Attorney)
George Silver, retired Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for the New York City Courts, speaks. (Courtesy/Office of Richmond County District Attorney)(Courtesy/Office of Richmond County District Attorney)
Adam Silvera, deputy chief administrative judge for the New York City Courts: “I was hoping this day would never come. Judy, you served across two counties. On behalf of the court system, we appreciate you for your public service. No one will be able to do the work that you do. Judy, thank you for all that you’ve done for the court and the bar. You go down in history as one of the most effective justices in the state.”
Adam Silvera, Deputy Chief Administrative Judge for the New York City Courts, addresses the crowd. (Courtesy/Office of Richmond County District Attorney)(Courtesy/Office of Richmond County District Attorney)
George Silver, retired deputy chief administrative judge for the New York City Courts: “This evening is bittersweet. Judge Judy has had such an impact on our community. How do you summarize a trailblazing chief? She first became a pharmacist because she loves science. She made the decision to become a lawyer and was the first woman Supreme Court justice in Richmond County. She really listens to the attorneys. She will continue. She’s stepping away from the bench, but not the law. I salute you. You are doing the right thing. You have blazed trails ad lifted this institution and inspired generations of young lawyers. Your legacy isn’t leaving the court, it’s imprinted in it. On behalf of all of us, thank you for your service, integrity and example.”
William Mastro, retired associate judge of the Appellate Division, Second Department, speaks. (Courtesy/Office of the Richmond County District Attorney)Judy
William Mastro, retired associate judge of the Appellate Division: “Judge Judy has been an extraordinary judge. We go back a few years. I met her 40 years ago. She has done incredibly wonderful things in her career. One of the most wonderful things that happened on Staten Island was when she became administrative judge of Richmond County and she was one of the most inspirational in the state.”
Raymond Rodriguez, administrative judge of Richmond County, speaks. (Courtesy/Office of the Richmond County District Attorney)(Courtesy/Office of Richmond County District Attorney)
Raymond Rodriguez, administrative judge of Richmond County: “Judge Judy’s retirement is a great loss for Richmond County. When I became administrative judge, I had a great ally and friend in Judy. She helped me. She gave me her wisdom. They took her from me in Manhattan. She did an exceptional job. It’s a loss for the judges and for the community. I will still call you all the time to seek your advice. You have helped me so much. We are going to miss you and Staten Island will miss you. I will miss your integrity. Your career has been incredible.”
Federal Court Judge Eric N. Vitaliano speaks about Justice McMahon. (Courtesy/Office of the Richmond County District Attorney)(Courtesy/Office of Richmond County District Attorney)
Federal Court Judge Eric N. Vitaliano: “Thank you for allowing me to be part of your life. This is a special night being at your retirement dinner. This is a very special event. I met Mike first and then Judy entered the picture. We became friends. In her legal position she never lost sight of her role as a mom. And on the bench she helped me. She was my first court attorney. I had the benefit of seeing two of the best lawyers at the same time. Her understanding of the judicial system made it the finest in the state. Helen and I wish you a long, happy and healthy retirement. She is everything.”
Justice McMahon’s Principal Law Clerk, Judy Moresco Waggoner speaks. (Courtesy/Office of the District Attorney)(Courtesy/Office of Richmond County District Attorney)
Judy Maresco Waggoner, Justice McMahon’s principal law clerk: “You are doing the work you were designed to do. The powers that be put her in a man’s world to administer justice. You are fair, smart, and laser focused to the task at hand. I look forward to your next chapter.”
Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon honors his wife, NYS Supreme Court Justice Judith N. McMahon with flowers. (Courtesy/Office of Richmond County District Attorney)Judy
Michael McMahon listens as his wife, Judith N. McMahon speaks. (Courtesy/Office of Richmond County District Attorney)Judy
Justice McMahon would then address the crowd:
“Thank you all so much for being here. It’s an honor to be here before each and every one of you. It takes a core group of people to make this evening so special. Thank you to Judy Maresco and Justice Marrazzo and to Mike McMahon. I started as a trial lawyer. I interviewed with Judge Leone, my mentor. He called me a ‘Pollyanna.’ It was a great learning experience. He was taken away way too soon. His wife and family are here. Eric is a dear friend, but his wife is a dearer friend. Eric Vitaliano is brilliant and his legal mind is second to none.”
Justice McMahon went on to acknowledge her staff, law clerks and referenced Judy Moresco who’s she’s known for 30 years. “I’ve grown to love Judy. You have a special place in my heart.”
She referenced Judge Rodriguez, Brian Rice, a security specialist and lawyers who “are part of the most loyal profession, a focus that we have no matter what you stand for. They do it with integrity and honesty.”
“Friends are blessings. And I have been very blessed that you are all here. Thank you for being here. And thank you to the McMahon family. I cherish each and every one of you.”
She would credit her children and her husband, Michael McMahon, “Your patience and love have been with me 1,000 percent. ”I’m grateful for our lives together. I would not be here if not for Michael McMahon. God bless each and every one of you.”