Bay Ridge

Stephen Spinelli installed as president of the Bay Ridge Lawyers Association

September 30, 2016 By Rob Abruzzese Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Stephen A. Spinelli (at right, with New York state Sen. Marty Golden on left) was sworn in as the newest president of the Bay Ridge Lawyers Association during a ceremony on Wednesday. Eagle photos by Rob Abruzzese
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The Bay Ridge Lawyers Association kicked off a new season by installing Stephen Spinelli as president and others as officers and board members during a ceremony at the Pearl Room in Bay Ridge on Wednesday.

Hon. Vincent Del Giudice was on hand to install Spinelli as president and Hon. John G. Ingram swore in the officers and board members. State Sen. Marty Golden presented a plaque to Spinelli and offered a few words to the membership.

“This is a great day for you all because you have a great president coming in and a great president going out,” Golden said. “I want to say thank you for all that you do and continue to do. Steve will bring you into a new era. The object of the game is to continue to do what you’re doing.”

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The Bay Ridge Lawyers Association’s installation ceremony differs from other bar associations’ ceremonies. After everyone is sworn in, all of the past presidents line up in order of when they served, and they go down the line to say congratulations and offer words of advice.

This year’s ceremony was special because in addition to that tradition, past President Carl E. Tavolacci, who is nearing his 104th birthday, was on hand to support his friend Spinelli.

“When I heard that Stephen was being installed, I put aside everything that I have to do to be here to join in the procedure and passing of the gavel to my good friend,” Tavolacci said. “He’ll be an excellent president who will lead the members of this organization and lead the education in the various segments of the law.

“I want you to know that knowing you for these years, I consider you an excellent lawyer, honest, trustworthy and reliable, and that’s how you deal with all people,” Tavolacci continued. “You’re a good friend, I want to wish you the best of luck, good health and you will be an excellent president.”

“Enjoy your presidency, because you’ve already done the hard work,” Anna Tepedino said. “You have good people behind you, so relax and enjoy. You do so much work; you are involved in membership and every committee. That’s why we love you. You have this whole room behind you. This is an amazing turnout. It’s more people that I had. I’m so jealous.”

After the 15 past presidents in attendance each said their part, Spinelli spoke. He recalled joining the Bay Ridge Lawyers in the ’80s and outlined some plans for the upcoming year.

“We’re going to have an amazing year,” Spinelli said. “To all the past presidents, I feel blessed and I feel warm after all of the nice things you’ve said about me. I’m fortunate to call you all my dear friends. We’re not just colleagues; there are serious deep friendships that started in this organization and continue to grow. I’m proud to be president and I thank all of you for all the kind words.”


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