[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 1 (Wednesday, January 23, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E10]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               A TRIBUTE TO HIS HONOR SALVATORE J. MODICA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CAROLYN McCARTHY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 23, 2002

  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate 
Salvatore J. Modica, sworn in as a judge on December 26, 2001. For the 
last 15 years, Salvatore ``Tory'' Modica has served as a prosecutor 
Queens District Attorney's office and as a Principal Court Attorney in 
the Bronx.
  A graduate of the University of Arizona in 1983 and St. John's Law 
School in 1986, Tory has worked diligently to rise through the ranks in 
our courts. Starting in the Queens D.A.'s office in 1986, Tory ascended 
from the Appeals Bureau to the Homicide Investigations Bureau to the 
Supreme Court Trial Bureau.
  In 1989, Tory became the Principal Court Attorney for Judge William 
C. Donnino, Court of Claims in the Bronx Supreme Court. In this 
capacity, he did legal research and wrote opinions, becoming extremely 
well-versed in complex legal issues. This is evidenced by an article he 
authored on the age requirement for the New York State death penalty 
law, which appeared in St. John's legal journal and in other 
publications.
  Tory is the fourth child and oldest son of Dr. and Mrs. Edmondo 
Modica, and he is married to the Honorable Deborah Stevens Modica, 
Deputy Supervising Judge in Queens Criminal Court. Together they raised 
five girls--Deirdre, Erin, Reagan, Flannery and Kate--and are the proud 
grandparents of Elijah, Issa and Aidan.
  Mr. Modica's extensive knowledge of the justice system and his 
incredible work ethic has gained the respect of his colleagues in the 
law profession. His perseverance in work, the community and his family 
has certainly paid off. I am delighted that he has earned his 
appointment as Judge to the Criminal Court in the City of New York by 
Mayor Rudolph Giuliani. My warmest regards to His Honor, Judge 
Salvatore J. Modica.

                          ____________________