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After Three Decades, Judge Eugene Serpentelli Says Goodbye To Bench
By Bill McLaughlin
When Judge Eugene D. Serpentelli steps down at the end of this month, he will take a large chunk of Ocean County historical perspective with him.
Serpentelli was presented with an oil painting of the exterior of Room 1, the original county courthouse, which he took an active role in seeing restored to its original circa 1850 grandeur a few years ago.
In 29 years on the bench, 22 years as the assignment judge for the highest court in the county, Serpentelli presided over many aspects of the judicial system.
He took great pleasure in giving ordinary people called to jury duty a lesson in the history of the county, knowing that most were neither born nor raised here. Serpentelli would give a lively recap of how the county evolved and how the courts changed with the times.
Future generations won't have that passionate advocate for justice giving them a few good reasons why they should take time from work or school and do their civic duty. He's retiring.
But not because he wants to retire.
The longest-serving assignment judge in state history won't go quietly into mandatory retirement at age 70.
"I'm not going willingly, as you know," Serpentelli told the county board of chosen freeholders at their June 20 public meeting. "(Age) 70 is suddenly Constitutionally senile."
One by one, the freeholders lavished praise on the venerable jurist, as he listened intently to every word.
"He cares about talking to people and his passion for the court system," Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari said. "He enjoys talking about the history of Ocean County. You have left a major impression on everyone."
Freeholder Director John P. Kelly offered Serpentelli a lifetime pass to the hallways of county government.
"I ask you to talk with us and consult with us," Kelly said. "You are not only a gentleman but a professional. It was always so easy to work with you and your staff."
Freeholder James F. Lacey said his desire to preserve historical sites was something future generations could take to heart.
"I'm glad you had the courage (to preserve Room 1)," Lacey said. "We need to preserve our heritage."
In turn, Serpentelli praised present and past freeholder boards for their work in restoring downtown Toms River in the past three decades.
"Our (government complex) campus is
second to none in this state," the jurist said. "Visitors, for the first time, come and see
what we have here and are very complimentary. They marvel at what you've done with this downtown since 1978."
He said anyone old enough to remember the downturn downtown should doubly appreciate the recovery. Through it all, the partnership between the administrative and judicial branches of government has always been one of mutual respect.
"There's never been a cross word, an unkind word," Serpentelli said. "You've all been gentlemen. You have always recognized the needs of the court. I'm lucky to have good friends to say goodbye to."
In other business, Freeholder Gerry Little said a bird that died in Jackson last week has been confirmed as the first bird in New Jersey this summer with West Nile virus.
"Just a reminder: This is the season for this disease," Little said. "Use insect repellant, wear the proper clothing and remove standing water."
The board will hold a public comment session at its Tuesday, July 3, meeting on an ordinance to acquire land for a road garage in Manchester. The ordinance will bond for $3.8 million of the $4 million project. County Administrator Alan Avery said the board is looking at a number of potential sites, but has made no decision on location.
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