Okin, who is known for avoiding the center of attention, got loud cheers and congratulations from the members, past presidents, judges and family members in attendance. Past President Joe Farrell, who was responsible for hiring Okin 30 years ago, even attended and said a few words.

“Avery’s father used to ask to me all the time, ‘How’s Avery doing?’ and I would always say, ‘He’s still on probation,’” Farrell joked. “I said that so many times that I used to think he would have a heart attack. Avery did a great job, made sure that we were doing all of the things that we should have been doing.”

Before having birthday cake in celebration of Okin’s 60th birthday, all of the past presidents gathered around and a few of them said a few words about the man who Bonina described as a father, brother, mentor, rabbi, consigliere and therapist.

“Anyone who has ever been in Avery’s office at the Brooklyn Bar has seen all of the pictures of him and all of the past presidents of the BBA,” Bonina said. “It gives you a tiny idea of the history that Avery has had with the association. What it doesn’t tell you about is how deeply meaningful his relationship with every past president has been.

“It’s an attitude that he cultivates with his kindness, his dedication and the fact that he doesn’t like being the center of attention. I’m sorry, but after 30 years, he deserves a big round of applause.”

Aidala explained the process of getting things done at the bar association: Pitch an idea to Okin, when he inevitably turns it down he goes to “the Appellate Division,” meaning Gregory Cerchione, and after a conversation between Cerchione and Okin, Okin would inevitably come around to the idea and make sure that it got done.

“Anything I achieved over the last year, I give Avery all of the credit,” said Aidala.” Aside from what he’s done for the bar association, he’s touched each one of our lives, those of us who have been presidents of the association. I speak for everyone up here when I say, he’s changed all of us.”

The outpouring of emotion clearly moved the usually unshakable Okin. Although he wasn’t shy about yelling at his staff members who refused to tip him off that a surprise party was in the works.

“I want to thank each and every one of you,” Okin said. “It has been an honor, a privilege and a pleasure to work with each and every one of you. The same way you say that I have touched your lives, each of you has touched mine. Some of you in good ways, some in great.”

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