Queens County Bar celebrates borough’s Golden Jubilarians

The Queens County Bar Association came together to honor members who joined 50 years ago. Image courtesy of QCBA

By Rachel Vick

Dozens of Queens judges and attorneys gathered virtually Monday night to celebrate the contributions of Queens County Bar Association leaders and members with five decades of experience.

QCBA President Cliff Welden thanked the jubilarians for devoting their time, friendship and professional contributions to the Queens legal community for half a century.

“While we can’t meet together in person we are able to still celebrate our friends and association on this virtual platform,” Welden said.  “Looking over the names of our golden jubilarians I see many friends who I've known for most of the 34 years I’ve practiced in the courts of this county.”  

“Several have been my mentors in matters professional, while several have been confidants on personal matters and helped me through some difficult times in my life,” he added.

Alongside the golden jubilarians, the QCBA honored past president Marie-Eleana First, Academy of Law awardee Richard M. Gutierrez and recently retired court officer John Coltelli. 

To make up for last year’s pandemic-induced cancellation, the bar association also recognized 2018 president Hon. Hilary Gingold and 2020 Academy of Law awardee Joseph DeFelice.

On hand to share their outlook on the future were Administrative Judges Marguerite Grays and Joseph Zayas.  

Grays, the top judge in Queens Civil Supreme, reflected on the past year, commending the service attorneys, judges and court staffer able to “pivot” during the pandemic.

“The past year has been challenging,” she said. “As a result of the shift we have continued to provide access to justice to the bar and all the litigants and to keep things moving. We're moving along and … we are continuing through these challenging times. It is getting better but we are going to remain vigilant.”

2021 Jubilarians

Hon. Augustus Agate, David Cohen, Salvatore Diliberto, Abbey Goldstein, Kerry Katsorhis, Hon. Dennis Lebwohl, Richard Leff, Hon. Daniel Lewis, John Macklin, Ambrose Richardson, Philip Schlesinger, Morton Sealove, Robert Taylor and Susan Mae Wanderman 

2020 Jubilarians

Joseph Faraldo, Robert Invidiata, Byron Lassin, Louis Macari, John McManus, Franklin Meyer, Alexander Potruch, Edward Schachter, Donald Schechter, Stanley Schecter and John Turano.