
WILLIAMSBURG — Maria Aragona was inducted as justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, Kings County, on the evening of June 22.
The ceremony took place at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, 275 North Eighth St., beginning with Mass at 5 p.m. in honor of the feast day of San Paolino, the Patron Saint of Nola, Italy, hometown of Aragona’s ancestors.
Aragona became a Civil Court judge in Kings County in 2021 and presides over matters impacting neighborhoods such as Williamsburg and Bushwick in the third Municipal District.
The event, co-hosted by Steven Bamundo, Esq., and Hon. Rosemarie Montalbano, had several speakers, and Hon. Kenneth Sherman administered the oath of office.

Hon. Carl Landicino called Aragona a hardworking judge with excellent judicial temperament.
“I personally believe that a judge’s character is the most important quality to possess,” Landicino said. “Being a judge is an awesome responsibility, and that is so essential for the position.”
Hon. Lara Genovesi said that Aragona comes from deep Italian roots and a strong family foundation.
“Maria was raised by two brilliant women,” Genovesi said. “The example that they set for Maria is nothing short of amazing. The path they paved is a wonderful thing.”
Genovesi added that “what you see is what you get” from Aragona. “She is that wonderful and that good of a person. When I see Maria, I think of a kind and steady presence, someone who leads with warmth and is always gracious and sincere.”
Hon. Frank Seddio said that Aragona has worked incredibly hard to get where she is today.
“It wasn’t given to her. So when we celebrate tonight, we celebrate one of our own, and we move forward with our family.”
Former Assemblymember Joseph Lentol said that Aragona has become one of the outstanding judges in Kings County.
Hon. Robert Miller first met Aragona when she was a member of the Catholic Lawyers Guild. Eventually, she served on their board and soon after became president.
Miller recalled that Aragona handled the job with quality and distinction, adding, “Her intellect, warmth and commitment will be a tremendous asset to the court system.”
Hon. George Silver said that justice is not confined to what happens in a courthouse, it’s also about helping people and a commitment to community.
“Judge Aragona’s lifelong experiences inspired a commitment to ensuring that others who enter our courthouses are treated with dignity, fairness and compassion.”
Gregory T. Cerchione, Esq., said no one has shown more respect for the law profession than Aragona and that her caring nature, faithfulness, and judicial acumen shine through and are second to none.
Aragona, who addressed the audience last, delivered heartfelt and moving remarks.
“Thirty years ago, I walked into this room for the first time,” she said. “Every step of the way, it goes back to Mount Carmel. This is where we come home, no matter where you go or how far you go.”
She continued, “This was my lifelong dream, and my lifelong dream has come true.”
Aragona also thanked family and friends, who paved the way for her and those like her.
In closing, she delivered a message to aspiring young women.
“No one should ever tell you not to do what you want to do. If you have a dream, go after it, because the sky is the limit. When you come from Brooklyn, you are unstoppable.”
Before ascending to the bench, Aragona cultivated a broad legal background in both private practice and the court system. Early in her career, she represented clients in family law, domestic violence and criminal defense matters.
Aragona’s transition to public service began in 2012 when she joined the Kings County Supreme Court as a law clerk. Soon after, Aragona rose to the position of principal law clerk to a Supreme Court justice, and in 2020, she was elected to the Civil Court.
Aragona earned her juris doctor from Hofstra University School of Law, where she also completed a master’s degree in law.












SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”

BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.

ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.