[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 14]
[House]
[Page 19744]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



            TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF JUDGE PHILIP E. LAGANA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ANTHONY D. WEINER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, August 4, 1999

  Mr. WEINER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to invite our colleagues to 
join me in honoring Judge Philip E. Lagana, a great American, and 
fellow New Yorker, who spent his life serving the public and our 
country. Through countless hours of hard work and dedication, Judge 
Lagana upheld the values and principles of our country's Constitution 
by fairly, firmly, and compassionately serving as a Justice of the New 
York State Supreme Court. The following tribute delivered at his 
funeral service by Joseph Crea, Professor Emeritus at Brooklyn Law 
School, beautifully captures this man's invaluable contributions to his 
community.

            TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF JUDGE PHILIP E. LAGANA

       For me, at this time, it is a privilege and a sadness to 
     speak about a friend, neighbor and associate in the legal 
     profession. I first met Judge Philip E. Lagana more than 
     fifty years ago at the Brooklyn Law School, where I served as 
     Law Librarian and he was a student in his final year. Since 
     1948 when he graduated law school, our paths were never far 
     apart. I remained in the academic area of the law. Judge 
     Lagana went out into the public area to practice his 
     profession as a lawyer. He began his private practice in the 
     field of Criminal Law. After a short stint of practice, he 
     then diverted his attention to public service, a career which 
     he served until his retirement. Judge Lagana began his public 
     service in the Kings County District Attorney's Office. Where 
     he was appointed an Assistant District Attorney. In that 
     office he initially served as trial attorney and was rapidly 
     promoted to the position of Deputy Chief of the Supreme Court 
     Trial Assistants. He was then charged with setting up a major 
     offenses bureau at the District Attorney's office. Upon 
     completion of this task, Judge Lagana was appointed chief of 
     the bureau. In 1974, Judge Lagana was made President of the 
     New York City Tax Commission by then Mayor Abe Beame, a 
     position he occupied until his election to the Supreme Court 
     of the State of New York in 1975. This was the culmination of 
     years of public service, which the public recognized in 
     electing him to that high office. There was also recognition 
     at his first induction by the presence of many friends, 
     neighbors, relatives and members of public. It was a joyous 
     event. I had the privilege to speak at this his first 
     induction to the judiciary. There was no sadness in the many 
     congratulatory remarks on that occasion.
       As a Justice of the Supreme Court, Judge Lagana acted with 
     firmness, but with fairness and compassion. He was not afraid 
     to make difficult decisions, explore new concepts, or develop 
     new theories. Recognition of these actions and qualities 
     found support from the appellate bench which reviewed them. 
     After serving with distinction, Judge Lagana won the support 
     of the public, the lawyers who practiced before him and his 
     associates. This guaranteed him reelection for an additional 
     14 year term. At age 70, when he was required to step down 
     under the then age law, Judge Lagana was certified to 
     continue on the first of the three 2 year extensions. In 
     1992, he decided to retire, left the bench and took with him 
     the accolades, the honors and the esteem of many friends, 
     associates and organizations, among which where the Catholic 
     Lawyers Guild; the Columbian Lawyers Association; the Kings 
     County Criminal Bar Association; the Brooklyn Bar 
     Association; the New York State Real Estate Board; the United 
     Jewish Appeal; the Marlboro Memorial Post No. 1437, American 
     Legion and its Women's Club; and the 46 A.D. Democratic Club.
       The legacy one leaves is not only embodied in his career as 
     a public servant, it has an individual persona. Judge Lagana 
     was born and spent his lifetime in Brooklyn, New York. He 
     attended Sts Simon and Jude grade school. Upon graduation he 
     was selected for St. Michael's High School (now Xaverian). 
     His performance at St. Michael's gained him entry and a place 
     at Georgetown University. From there it was then Brooklyn Law 
     School and the start of a professional career already 
     documented.
       During World War II, Judge Lagana served in the Signal 
     Corps in the China theatre. Following military service, he 
     joined the Marlboro Memorial Post # 1437 and served in many 
     executive positions during his lifetime membership, the last 
     giving many years as Judge Advocate. His commitment on behalf 
     of the veteran is well known. He never lost touch with the 
     veterans's problems and needs.
       When called upon, Judge Lagana never refused to serve in a 
     social service or political setting. He loved politics and 
     its many challenges and served his party well. As 
     compassionate as he was as a judge, this quality extended to 
     charitable endeavors as well.
       To Josephine, to Francis, to family members, to his 
     neighbors, to his friends and associates, to the public he 
     served, Judge Lagana's passing leaves behind a sadness and a 
     legacy. A legacy of memories--of a public servant, who in his 
     offices acted with dedication; of a decent unpretentious 
     person, who never lost touch with the people and his family 
     circle. He also leaves us the memories of the esteem in which 
     he was held; of the honors bestowed upon him; of service to 
     the community; and loving commitment and dedication to 
     family.
       A legacy for a lifetime.

       

                          ____________________