SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y. — The Suffolk County judiciary and wider community are mourning the passing of Judge Jerry Garguilo, a longtime Supreme Court Justice remembered for his integrity, wisdom, and steadfast devotion to public service. His death marks the loss of not only a respected jurist but also a man admired for his compassion, humility, and leadership both inside and outside the courtroom.
Appointed to the Supreme Court in 2009, Judge Garguilo quickly earned a reputation as a fair and steady hand in some of New York’s most complex cases. His docket included commercial disputes, asbestos litigation, and opioid-related lawsuits—legal battles that demanded both precision and composure.
His leadership was most visible during Suffolk County’s historic opioid litigation, the first case in the United States to put the pharmaceutical supply chain—manufacturers, distributors, and retailers—on trial. The landmark proceeding drew national attention and tested the boundaries of accountability in the opioid crisis. Through it all, Judge Garguilo presided with fairness, patience, and dignity, qualities that colleagues say defined his judicial style.
Judge Garguilo’s legal journey began after earning his law degree from Duquesne University in 1977. He clerked for Justice Louis Mandarino of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court before serving as an Assistant District Attorney in Suffolk County from 1977 to 1979. He later built a respected private litigation practice, representing clients across criminal defense, negligence, commercial disputes, and administrative law. This broad experience gave him a unique perspective from the bench, enabling him to balance the concerns of prosecutors and defense attorneys, plaintiffs and defendants alike.
Beyond the bench, Garguilo was deeply committed to the legal community. He served in leadership roles within the Suffolk County Bar Association, including as Chairman of the Unlawful Practice Committee, and was an active member of multiple judicial committees. His contributions were recognized with numerous honors, including being named St. Francis University Distinguished Alumni in 2017 and Columbian Lawyer Man of the Year in 2010.
Equally passionate about education, Judge Garguilo frequently lectured attorneys, law students, and medical students at SUNY Stony Brook. His talks on medical malpractice, evidence, and jury selection were praised for their clarity, wit, and accessibility. For him, teaching was not just about instruction but about inspiring the next generation of professionals.
Tributes poured in following news of his passing, with colleagues, friends, and community members recalling his kindness, humor, and humility. Many noted that his dedication extended beyond his legal achievements, pointing to his warmth in personal relationships and his genuine care for others.
Judge Jerry Garguilo leaves behind a legacy defined by justice, service, and humanity. To his peers, he was more than a jurist—he was a mentor, a leader, and a gentleman. His life and work will continue to resonate in Suffolk County and beyond, ensuring that his example endures for years to come.