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Lucy DiSalvo Honored as Court Employee of the Year

October 6, 2014 By Rob Abruzzese Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Hon. Ellen Spodek (right) presents Lucinda “Lucy” DiSalvo with her Employee of the Year award on behalf of the New York State Supreme Court, Second Judicial District.
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The New York State Supreme Court of Kings County honored Lucinda “Lucy” DiSalvo as its Employee of the Year in a packed courthouse filled with esteemed judges and lawyers in the Supreme Court building on Adams Street on Thursday afternoon.

“Today, we honor a force of nature — Lucinda DiSalvo,” Hon. Laura Jacobson declared before a thunderous applause.

DiSalvo, a Brooklyn native who has been working at the courthouse since 1999, was honored for her commitment and dedication to the court, including the two judges for whom she has worked, the late and beloved Hon. Anthony Cutrona and currently Hon. Ellen Spodek. 

DiSalvo was also recognized for her work with the Columbian Lawyers Association, as its executive secretary for the last 17 years, the Brooklyn Women’s Bar Association, the Nathan R. Sobel Inn of Court, the Kings County Association of Secretaries, Judges and Lawyers Breast Cancer Alert and other organizations, including volunteer work at her son’s school and local library.

“Sometimes when we’re nominating people for this award, not everyone on the committee knows who they are because the candidates come out of two different buildings,” said Hon. Jacobson, referring to the two huge State Supreme Court Buildings at 320 Jay St. (Criminal Matters) and 360 Adams St. (Civil Matters). “But that was not the case with Lucy,” Jacobson said. “She does so much for so many people that everyone knows exactly who she is.”

Hon. Lawrence Knipel, administrative judge for civil matters, said, “Today, we are here to recognize Lucy’s dedication, professionalism, knowledge and her many other contributions to the court system and the many other organizations with which she has worked with over the years. On behalf of all of us, we salute you, Lucy, on behalf of your many years of public service.”

Hon. Matt D’Emic, administrative judge for criminal matters, looked around the packed courtroom and joked, “With all of your family and friends here, Lucy, we almost needed the bigger ceremonial courtroom in the other building. It’s a tribute to you.”

Justic Spodek was teary eyed before she presented DiSalvo with the award, and spoke about the sadness of losing Justice Cutrona, and her own joy of then having Lucy come to work for her as principal secretary.  Justice Spodek also quoted some notable people, from Mark Twain to President Harry (“the buck stops here”) Truman, to describe the attributes of DiSalvo.

“It is amazing what you can accomplish when you don’t care who gets credit,” Spodek said. “She does everything working behind the scenes. She isn’t interested in who gets credit. She’s such an asset to any organization lucky enough to have her involved.”

Finally, DiSalvo spoke and also became teary-eyed when discussing the late Hon. Anthony Cutrona, who she said welcomed her to the courthouse as a member of the family. “I enjoy helping people and volunteering my time because with family, that is what you do,” DiSalvo said.

DiSalvo especially thanked her son Dominic, whom she referred to as her “little mini-me”, her husband Joe, her mother Lucinda Cosentino and her uncle Leo Consentino.

“Yes, I am the recipient of this award, but an award does not make you who you are. You make who you are, along with the people that surround you in your life,” DiSalvo said in closing.

 Rarely seen in courtrooms, there was a unanimous standing ovation.

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