[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 15 (Monday, February 14, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E225]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE DONALD E. BELFI

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CAROLYN McCARTHY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 14, 2005

  Mrs. McCARTHY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I rise today 
to pay tribute to a dear friend and devoted public servant, the 
Honorable Donald E. Belfi. Mr. Belfi is retiring as Nassau County Court 
Judge after 44 years of dedicated service to the court.
  A long and distinguished history of accomplishment and community 
leadership marks Judge Belfi's career. A graduate of Georgetown 
University and Fordham University School of Law, Mr. Belfi has 
committed himself to serving the public as a member of the legal 
profession.
  After several years of service as Assistant District Attorney in both 
New York and Nassau Counties, and 10 years of service as Nassau County 
District Court Judge, Mr. Belfi earned the post of Nassau County Court 
Judge. As County Court Judge for more than 20 years, Judge Belfi 
presided over hundreds of criminal trials, many of which were high 
profile cases. Among these is the Colin Ferguson Long Island Railroad 
Case, a matter I hold close to my heart. On a personal level, this was 
the first time I had ever been exposed to the court system. Judge Belfi 
held the dignity of his courtroom every day, making the trial bearable 
for me, my family and so many of the victims of the Long Island 
Railroad massacre.
  Judge Belfi's commitment to the community does not end inside the 
courtroom. Mr. Belfi has served as commissioner of Rockville Centre 
Little League, and as a member of several notable groups, including the 
Knights of Columbus, the Association for the Help of Retarded Children, 
and the St. Agnes Cathedral Parish Council. He also contributed over 20 
years to Georgetown University as both an interviewer and a recruiter 
for the school. Widely recognized throughout the community, Judge 
Belfi's efforts and achievements have been rewarded with countless 
honors. Among these is the Fraternal Order of Court Officers Bench and 
Bar Award, the Criminal Courts Bar Association's Norman F. Lent Award, 
the Fordham Law Almuni Association Distinguished Alumnus Award, the 
DeStefano Industries Annual Award, and the Court Officer's Benevolent 
Association of Nassau County Fidelis Juris Award.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in congratulating 
Judge Belfi on his admirable career, and recognizing his numerous 
accomplishments. I cannot even begin to express my deep gratitude and 
appreciation for his service to the community. Together with his wife 
of 35 years, five children, and two grandchildren, I send him my 
sincerest wishes for happiness and fulfillment as he begins this next 
chapter of his life.

                          ____________________