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Bay Ridge Lawyers Association say goodbye to President Spinelli at annual party

June 21, 2017 By Rob Abruzzese, Legal Editor Brooklyn Daily Eagle
From left: Immediate past President Grace M. Borrino, Stephen D. Chiaino and Maria E. Ficalora. Eagle photos by Mario Belluomo
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The Bay Ridge Lawyers Association said goodbye to President Stephen A. Spinelli during its 63rd annual dinner dance at the Vanderbilt in Staten Island on Friday.

Spinelli, a graduate of St. John’s University School of Law, opened his law firm in Bensonhurst in 1986 and has been a staple of the community ever since. His charitable endeavors include work as co-counsel to the National Federation of Italian-American Societies, and civic organizations UNICO, the Bensonhurst Lions and the 86th Street-Bath Beach Kiwanis Club.

Spinelli served as president of the Bay Ridge Lawyers Association (BRLA) over the past year during which he moved the monthly meetings to a larger space and attendance flourished as a result. 

“Steve truly cares about every one of his clients, every one of his friends and what’s going on in their lives,” said past President Stephen Chiaino. “That passion in on display when he works within his community whether that’s working with UNICO or the Bensonhurst Lions, Bath-Beach Kiwanis Club where he annually organizes a prom for special-needs children.

“He’s always willing to give his time for those in need. It’s that passion and sense of caring that makes him special and the perfect president for the Bay Ridge Lawyers.” 

Spinelli received citations from a number of local Bay Ridge politicians including Congress Member Dan Donovan, state Sen. Marty Golden, Councilmember Vincent Gentile and state Assemblymember and mayoral hopeful Nicole Malliotakis.

“I’m here to honor Stephen and to thank him for his dedication for all he has done on behalf of the BRLA,” Malliotakis said. “And it’s not just what he does as president. He also does so much for the community. He’s very active. I want to also welcome incoming President Margaret Stanton and say good luck to you as you take the reins next year.”

Spinelli gave a brief speech in which he thanked his family for support and the many committee members of the BRLA for their help throughout the year. He called joining the BRLA one of the smartest things that ever did during his career and shared some of his favorite stories about playing cards at golf outings and getting a visit from 103-year-old Carl Tavolacci during his installation. 

“The Bay Ridge Lawyers really are like a family,” Spinelli said. “I was looking around the room today and I saw so many friends, some I’ve known for 50 years and some I only recently met, but all feel like family and it’s one I’m very proud to be a part of. Even when I stepped away for a few years, when I came back it was like I was being welcomed home.”

 

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