The Suffolk County judiciary and wider community are mourning the death of Judge Jerry Garguilo, a long-serving Supreme Court Justice whose life and career left an indelible mark on the courts, the legal profession, and countless individuals who had the privilege of knowing him. His passing represents not only the loss of an esteemed jurist but also of a man admired for his integrity, wisdom, and devotion to public service.
Judge Garguilo began his service on the Supreme Court in 2009, quickly earning a reputation for his thoughtful approach to justice and his ability to manage some of the most intricate and demanding legal matters in the state. His docket often included commercial disputes, asbestos litigation, and complex opioid-related lawsuits—cases that required both deep legal knowledge and steady judicial temperament.
His leadership was especially evident during Suffolk County’s historic opioid litigation, a groundbreaking case that became the first in the United States to put the entire pharmaceutical supply chain—manufacturers, distributors, and retailers—on trial. The proceeding lasted months and drew national attention.
Through it all, Judge Garguilo presided with fairness, patience, and remarkable composure, balancing the demands of a case that was both legally complex and emotionally charged. Colleagues later reflected on how his intelligence, temperament, and humanity set the tone for one of the most significant trials in recent memory.
Jerry Garguilo’s path to the bench was defined by hard work and a steadfast commitment to justice. After earning his law degree from Duquesne University in 1977, he was admitted to practice in both New York and Pennsylvania.
His early career began as a law clerk to Justice Louis Mandarino of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, an experience that shaped his understanding of appellate work and judicial responsibility. He later served as an Assistant District Attorney in Suffolk County (1977–1979), where he honed his skills as a trial lawyer and gained firsthand knowledge of the criminal justice system.
From 1979 until his judicial appointment, Garguilo built a respected private litigation practice, representing clients in a wide range of cases including criminal defense, negligence, commercial disputes, and administrative matters. This broad background gave him a unique perspective from the bench, as he had stood in the shoes of both prosecutors and defense attorneys, plaintiffs and defendants.
Outside the courtroom, Judge Garguilo remained deeply involved in the legal community. He served the Suffolk County Bar Association in several capacities, including as Chairman of the Unlawful Practice Committee and member of the Judicial Screening, District Court, and Supreme Court 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.
In addition to his professional achievements, Garguilo was also a passionate educator. He frequently lectured before attorneys, law students, and even medical students at SUNY Stony Brook, covering topics such as medical malpractice, evidence, commercial litigation, and jury selection.
Those who attended his lectures often commented on his engaging style, wit, and ability to make even the most technical legal issues accessible and thought-provoking. For Garguilo, teaching was not a duty but a joy—an opportunity to share knowledge and inspire future generations of professionals.
As word of his passing spread, tributes poured in from colleagues, friends, and members of the community. He was remembered not only for his professional accomplishments but also for his kindness, humility, and humor. One colleague recalled his favorite Frank Sinatra song, noting that Judge Garguilo truly lived life “his way.”
Judge Jerry Garguilo’s passing leaves a void that will be felt deeply within the legal community and beyond. His legacy of justice, compassion, and service will endure through the many lives he touched. To his colleagues, students, and community, he was more than a judge—he was a mentor, a leader, and a gentleman whose example will continue to inspire.
