[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. ____________________