LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION celebrating the life and distinguished career of
The Honorable Robert A. Contiguglia

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved to publicly mourn the death of
those distinguished citizens who would devote themselves to public
service, demonstrating great courage and diligence in providing for the
care and welfare of the citizens of their communities and this great
Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Judge Robert A. Contiguglia of Auburn, New York, died on
Sunday, May 31, 2015, at the age of 84; and
WHEREAS, A life-long resident of Auburn, Robert A. Contiguglia was
born on February 27, 1931, to the late Anthony J. and Ida B. Contigug-
lia; he graduated from Auburn East High School in 1949, and then went on
to earn his degree from Hamilton College, Clinton, New York, in 1953;
and
WHEREAS, Three years later, Robert A. Contiguglia furthered his educa-
tion by obtaining his Juris Doctor from Cornell Law School, Ithaca, New
York; and
WHEREAS, After graduating, Robert A. Contiguglia proudly served his
country as a member of the United States Army; after successfully
completing Basic Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, he was
stationed in Poitiers, France, assigned to the Inspector General's
Office; and
WHEREAS, Robert A. Contiguglia met and married his wife, the former
Micheline Tierce, while stationed in France; and
WHEREAS, Upon his discharge, Robert A. Contiguglia and his wife
returned to his hometown; at this time, he was appointed Assistant
United States Attorney during the Eisenhower Administration; in this
capacity, he prosecuted Federal civil and criminal matters; and
WHEREAS, Once his assignment was successfully completed, Robert A.
Contiguglia entered into a private law practice with his father, Antho-
ny, and his brother, Louis, forming the law firm of Contiguglia, Conti-
guglia & Contiguglia; and
WHEREAS, Moreover, Robert A. Contiguglia held the position of Assist-
ant Attorney General for the State of New York under Louis Lefkowitz,
handling New York civil and criminal matters; and
WHEREAS, Robert A. Contiguglia was then elected Supervisor of Auburn's
1st Ward to the Cayuga County Legislature, where he served as Chairman
during the widespread flooding of Hurricane Agnes in 1972; and
WHEREAS, This remarkable man was recognized as the 1972 Christopher
Columbus Commemorative Committee Man of the Year, and twice, he received
the Key to the City of Auburn for his stellar service to his community;
and
WHEREAS, In 1977, Robert A. Contiguglia held the esteemed title of
Cayuga County Surrogate Judge; in addition, he presided over New York
State Supreme Court, Cayuga County Court, and Family Court; in this
capacity, he served with honor and distinction for 23 years, officially
retiring in 2001, at the mandatory age of 70; and
WHEREAS, After his formal retirement, Judge Robert A. Contiguglia was
selected by the Administrative Judge of the 7th Judicial District in
Rochester, New York, to the position of Cayuga County Family Court
Judge, a title he held until he retired for the second time; and
WHEREAS, Throughout his illustrious career, Judge Robert A. Contigug-
lia was the recipient of numerous awards and accolades for his dedicated
service to the State of New York; in 2013, the Cayuga County Bar Associ-
ation honored him with its highest tribute, The Liberty Bell Award, for
his many years on the bench and adjudicating Family Court matters; and

WHEREAS, Judge Robert A. Contiguglia distinguished himself in his
profession and by his sincere dedication and substantial contribution to
the welfare of his neighborhood; and
WHEREAS, Judge Robert A. Contiguglia's commitment to excellence, and
his spirit of humanity, carried over into all fields of enterprise,
including charitable and civic endeavors; and
WHEREAS, Dedicated to the well-being of his community, Judge Robert A.
Contiguglia was a member of several organizations, including the Knights
of Columbus, Sons of Italy, Italo Club, Elks Club, and the Cayuga County
Sportsman's Club; and
WHEREAS, Remembered for his friendly nature, and expert shooting
skills, Judge Robert A. Contiguglia enjoyed spending time with his fami-
ly and friends, as well as hunting and fishing; and
WHEREAS, Predeceased by his parents, and his brother, William Conti-
guglia, Judge Robert A. Contiguglia is survived by his loving wife,
Micheline; one daughter, Myriam T. (Frank) Contiguglia; a son, Robert A.
(Kathleen) Contiguglia, II; two grandchildren, Robert A. Contiguglia,
III and Madeline H. Contiguglia; and five brothers and sisters, Lillia-
na, Louis (Carol), Eda (Ralph), Richard, and John; as well as several
nieces and nephews; and
WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Judge Robert A. Contiguglia leaves behind a legacy which
will long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting
memory to all he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate the life and distinguished career of The Honorable Robert A.
Contiguglia, recognizing his loving labors and purposeful life, and
conveying its sincere condolences to his beloved family; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of The Honorable Robert A. Contiguglia.