Justice Jerry Garguilo

Garguilo - Jerry, Justice, 74, long-time resident of St. James, New York, passed suddenly on September 13, 2025. He was a respected jurist known for his integrity, intellect, and commitment to justice. Born in Brooklyn, Jerry was the eldest child of the late Aniello and of the late Mary Garguilo. He grew up in St. James, graduated from St. Francis College in Pennsylvania, and earned his law degree from Duquesne University School of Law in 1977. He began his career as a law clerk with the Pennsylvania Supreme Court before serving as an Assistant District Attorney in Suffolk County. In 1980, he entered private practice, forming a lasting partnership with Charles Russo. He later relocated his own practice to St. James, working out of the town's first schoolhouse - a cherished historic landmark - where he found great pride in serving the community he called home. Elected to the New York State Supreme Court in 2009, he presided over commercial and asbestos litigation, but his most prominent contribution came as Coordinating Justice for New York's landmark opioid litigation. In that role, he managed one of the largest and most consequential mass tort cases in state history, guiding dozens of counties, cities, and municipalities in their fight for accountability against major pharmaceutical companies. His leadership was widely recognized as a model of fairness, efficiency, and humanity. He also served as Associate Justice of the Appellate Term. Beloved husband of 52 years, Angela. Loving dad of daughter Nicole (Kevin), Joelle (Chris), and Jacquelene (AJ); Loving pop of five grandchildren, Gianna, Viviana, AJ, Ava, and Anthony Gennaro. Cherished brother of Anthony, Michael, Neil, and Mary, and many nieces and nephews. Friends may call at St. James Funeral Home, Route 25, 829 Middle Country Rd., St. James on Wednesday and Thursday from 3-9 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday at 11:30 a.m. at Saints Philip & James Roman Catholic Church in St. James. Interment to follow at St James Episcopal Cemetery St. James.