Judge Jerry Garguilo

Justice Jerry Garguilo (October 29, 1950 – September 13, 2025)

Justice Jerry Garguilo, a respected jurist known for his integrity, intellect, and commitment to justice, passed away suddenly on September 13, 2025, at the age of 74.

Born in Brooklyn, Jerry was the eldest child of Aniello and Mary Garguilo. He grew up in St. James, graduated from St. Francis College in Pennsylvania, and earned his law degree from Duquesne University School of Law in 1977.

He began his career as a law clerk with the Pennsylvania Supreme Court before serving as an Assistant District Attorney in Suffolk County. In 1980, he entered private practice, forming a lasting partnership with Charles Russo. He later relocated his own practice to St. James, working out of the town’s first schoolhouse—a cherished historic landmark—where he found great pride in serving the community he called home. Elected to the New York State Supreme Court in 2009, he presided over commercial and asbestos litigation, but his most prominent contribution came as Coordinating Justice for New York’s landmark opioid litigation. In that role, he managed one of the largest and most consequential mass tort cases in state history, guiding dozens of counties, cities, and municipalities in their fight for accountability against major pharmaceutical companies. His leadership was widely recognized as a model of fairness, efficiency, and humanity. He also served as Associate Justice of the Appellate Term.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Angela; daughters Nicole (Kevin), Joelle (Chris), and Jacquelene (AJ); and five grandchildren, Gianna, Viviana, AJ, Ava, and Anthony Gennaro. He also leaves behind his siblings Anthony, Michael, Neil, and Mary, and many nieces and nephews.

He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and judge whose legacy of fairness, compassion, and dedication to justice will endure.

Viewings will be held Wednesday and Thursday from 3–9 p.m. at St. James Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday at 11:30 a.m. at Saints Philip & James Roman Catholic Church in St. James.

In Lieu of Flowers

The family kindly asks that donations be made in memory of Justice Jerry Garguilo to either Hope House Ministries(donate here (https://www.hhm.org/tributes-memorial-gifts-to-honor-loved-ones/)) or the Smithtown Children’s Foundation (donate here (https://www.smithtownchildrensfoundation.com/donate)).

When donating to the Smithtown Children’s Foundation, please select “In Memory of Someone” under the donation type and include “For Judge Garguilo” in the notes section. A scholarship for a young student will be established in his honor.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.