Cerchione has been honored in the past by the BBA with its annual award in 2007, was given the Award of Meritorious Service by the Catholic Lawyers Guild, the Special Recognition Award by the Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association, and is a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation.

“I have not met a person who gives so much of himself, not just money but from his heart,” Chidekel said of Cerchione. “His activities are not limited to the many bar associations which he is active in or the other many legal organizations that he contributes to. He does not speak of his deep faith but acts upon it with many acts of kindness and works so hard with his local parish and diocese and national Catholic organization.

“While a successful lawyer, he is never too busy to stop and offer advice to people who need information whether it is an answer to a legal question or a personal question or just need some cheering up,” Chidekel continued.

Chidekel said that he has wanted to honor Cerchione ever since he saw him helping the blind owner of the newsstand close up shop inside the Brooklyn Supreme Court at 360 Adams St.

The other honorees on that day include Steve Williamson, Ian Gaynor and Armida Alarcon.

Alarcon is the first to receive the Legal Staff award. She works as a paralegal and often volunteers with the BBA and other community organizations.

“She has accomplished multiple achievements and certifications in the law and medical fields,” Chidekel said of Alarcon. “A proud mother and grandmother, she focuses on education for them and their developing civic responsibility and commitment. The BBA wants to recognize all aspects of the legal community.”

Williamson is the vice president of the BBA Volunteer Lawyers Project and is active in recruitment of board members for the organization. He’s also active in legal education programs in public schools and is vice president of the Jewish Lawyers Guild.

Gaynor, who began his career in the legal community while he attended law school at night, has recently accepted a management position in the Surrogate’s Court and serves under Supervising Matrimonial Judge Jeffrey Sunshine and Chief Clerk Charles Small as head of the matrimonial clerk’s department.

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