Anthony V. Cardona – Third Department of the New York Appellate Division

Full Name: Anthony V. Cardona

Year of Induction: 2015

Tony Cardona was appointed to the New York Appellate Division, Third Judicial Department, in 1993 and became its Presiding Justice in 1994. He served on the Education and Executive Committees of the Council of Chief Judges of the State Courts of Appeal and was its president in 2002-2003. With extraordinary vision, a positive outlook, and friendly, people-oriented leadership style, he worked to enhance the Council before, during, and after his term as president. No one loved the Council more, and sang its praises louder, than Tony and his wife Aline.

After graduating from Manhattan College, he was a naval officer from 1963 to 1967, including a tour of duty in Vietnam. He then graduated from Albany Law School and began a civil law practice, plus part-time positions as an assistant public defender and a town attorney. In 1984, he was electedto the Albany County Family Court. While Presiding Justice, he took the appellate court on the road to each county in its district. He also co-chaired New York’s Family Violence Task Force from 1994-2004, and was on the board of trustees of Albany Law School. His personal warmth and passion for the administration of justice made an indelible impression on those around him. He died of cancer in 2011.