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
14, 2019, at the age of 57; and
WHEREAS, James F. Reitz was born on May 22, 1962, to Mary
(Mastrangello) and the late James Reitz in Mahopac, New York; he would
go on to marry the love of his life, Barbara, and together they would
raise a beautiful family; and
WHEREAS, James F. Reitz, a lifelong resident of Putnam County,
graduated from Carmel High School; and
WHEREAS, James F. Reitz worked as a lawyer in private practice from
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.
