Honor Judge James Reitz

Assembly Resolution No. 617 BY: M. of A. Byrne CELEBRATING the life and accomplishments of The Honorable James F. Reitz, Putnam County Court Judge, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to mourn publicly the death of prominent citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor served to enhance the reputation of the State; and WHEREAS, It is with feelings of deepest regret that this Legislative Body records the passing of The Honorable James F. Reitz, Putnam County Court Judge, noting the significance of the loss of a man whose altruistic spirit will be greatly missed; and WHEREAS, James F. Reitz of Mahopac, New York, died on Friday, June

1991 to 2006, including serving as a Carmel Town Justice between 1996 and 2006; and WHEREAS, Since 2007, he had served as a Putnam County Court Judge, and was also an Acting Justice with the New York State Supreme Court; furthermore, he was a 3rd generation life member of the Mahopac Falls Volunteer Fire Department; and WHEREAS, He was both an ally and advocate for Putnam County and brought great compassion and the belief in second chances to his Court Room; and WHEREAS, Through this belief, he pioneered his very own Drug Treatment Court program for Putnam County which gives an innovative way for participants to get a second chance in life with alternative paths through the judicial system; and WHEREAS, This program was such a success it has been adapted into several other courts across the country and was also featured in an Emmy award winning documentary; and WHEREAS, The lives James F. Reitz both touched and saved throughout his career cannot be counted; and WHEREAS, The Honorable James F. Reitz treated defendants with compassion and dignity while at the same time remained very firm; he was well respected by both lawyers and defendants for his courteous, gracious demeanor when they came before him; and WHEREAS, It is difficult to measure the heart of a man who accomplished so much and did so much for others, but if you were trying to measure James' heart you could start with the outpouring of love he had for his community and then by the measure for which he gave love to his family; and WHEREAS, His first love was undoubtedly his family; his wife, children and grandchildren were a pillar of strength to him, while he was a pillar of strength to all; and WHEREAS, James F. Reitz is survived by the love of his life, Barbara; his children Alyssa, Jaime, and Michael; six grandchildren, who were the light of his life; his mother, Mary; two brothers, David, and his twin brother, Thomas and his wife, Kris; one nephew, Matthew; and his niece, Madison; as well as his beloved community and the countless lives he impacted; and WHEREAS, James F. Reitz, in every capacity in which he served, and through every program he developed, has left his permanent mark on the criminal justice community, and will forever be remembered as a determined, innovative and genuinely concerned expert in his field, now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations in a moment of silent tribute to The Honorable James F. Reitz, whose unselfish concern for the welfare of others enhanced the lives of those so fortunate to have called him family, colleague and friend, and to express its deepest condolences to his family; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of James F. Reitz.