Hon. Richard J. Daronco was a founding member and friend of CLAW. Appointed by President Ronald Reagan in 1987, as a federal judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, Daronco was well-respected and widely recognized for his integrity, fairness, and commitment to justice. Before his federal appointment, he also served as a judge for the Westchester County Court and the New York State Supreme Court.
In May of 1988, Daronco was tragically assassinated and taken from our midst.
Following his death, the Columbian Lawyers of Westchester County’s Board agreed that it was proper and fitting to rename our distinguished service award, as a dedication to his memory. In his all too brief life and professional career, Judge Daronco epitomized the goals that all Italian Americans should strive to attain.