Hudson County Superior Court Judge Edward DeFazio, also a former county prosecutor, was given a farewell ceremony on the steps of the William J. Brennan Courthouse to commemorate a career in the county’s justice system spanning more than 40 years.
By Corey McDonald/Hudson County View
DeFazio, 67, was joined by dozens of officials from the prosecutor’s office, fellow judges, including county Assignment Judge Peter Bariso, as well as a number of law enforcement officials for a special ceremony outside of the Brennan Courthouse.
“I look around at my fellow judges and all of the great people I worked with in the prosecutor’s office through the years; all of the esteemed members of law enforcement; the defense bar; relatives and friends — and I realize … it’s all about relationships and making those connections and appreciating those connections and learning from people,” DeFazio said.
A number of elected officials and dignitaries were on hand, including County Executive Tom DeGise, along with Freeholders Bill O’Dea (D-2) and Anthony Romano (D-5).
“Every day that Eddy came to work, whether it was as a prosecutor or as a judge, he brought honor, integrity, and a yearning for justice,” DeGise said. “We are very proud of his tenure here.”
DeFazio first began his career in the justice system in 1978. He became the county prosecutor in 2002 and served in that post for 10 years before being nominated to a superior court judgeship in 2012.
He served in the court’s family division and was later transferred to the criminal division in 2015 – serving as the county’s drug court judge.
Earlier this year, he was named chair of the Hudson County Substance Use Task Force, which was created to fight drug addiction and overdose deaths.
“If I were to mention everyone who through the course of my career helped me out, we’d be here until the sun goes down. That’s not gonna happen, because we have to get to Healy’s so I can get a draft beer,” DeFazio joked.
“I’m just really blessed. I had a great career [and] I couldn’t have wished for anything more.”
Follow Corey McDonald on Twitter @cwmcdonald_
