Legal community bids farewell to Louis Fiorillo, legend of the county clerk’s office

Torch passed to successor James Blain

October 23, 2017 By Steven Ferraro Special to the Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Kings County Clerk Nancy Sunshine presents Louis Fiorillo with a certificate of recognition at his retirement party which was held at Giando's On The Water in Williamsburg on Tuesday. Photos by Mario Belluomo.

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A Deputy County Clerk known as a “legend” in the Brooklyn courts was sent into retirement after a 66 year long career this Tuesday.

Louis Fiorillo, affectionately nicknamed “Uncle Lou”, was celebrated by friends, family and colleagues on the second floor at Giando on the Water, overlooking the Williamsburg Bridge, East River, and the Manhattan skyline — a view fit for a man who is loved. That’s exactly what Fiorillo is.

His table was filled with a line of guests, waiting to shake his hand, thank him, and spend a few minutes with him, the entire night.

All night, no guest was afraid to praise Fiorillo.

“He’s a gem…he’s a man among men,” said John Coakley, a Deputy Clerk at Brooklyn Family Court.” Louis, on behalf of everyone here… I want to thank you for being the person you are. You’re not only an uncle to people, you’re a father to them. You’re a teacher to them…The most important thing that Louis always said was ‘make sure you come to work, make sure you go to lunch.’”

Hon. Nancy Sunshine also showed her appreciation for Fiorillo during her speech.

“He is a respected public servant by all,” Sunshine said. “Lou and I connected because we like to serve. The whole point was we worked together to get the job done.”

Sunshine also acknowledged Fiorillo’s nickname.

“There’s a reason why people call him Uncle Lou,” said Sunshine, who pointed out the capacity of the catering hall. “This room isn’t big enough to reflect all of the world that he has touched.”

Attorney Daniel Rausher, after accidentally missing the RSVP date for the event, said that he “begged” organizers to allow him to attend after he, like many people, had been put on a waiting list. Thankfully for Rausher, a spot had opened and he was able to honor a man he respects.

“Lou is a very special person.” Rausher said. “Very warm, very approachable…he’s someone who’s all heart. I’m here to celebrate that.”

Joe Musolino, a former carpool colleague of Fiorillo in the early 1990’s, had nothing to say but the highest of praise.

“He’s a living legend… a wonderful guy.” Musolino said. He repeatedly called Fiorillo an “institution.”

Attorney Sara J. Gozo vividly remembered all of the help Fiorillo gave her whenever they worked together.

“Whenever you had some sort of thing you couldn’t figure it out, he could help,” Gozo said. “He influenced so many people and we became better because of it.”

The torch was also passed that night. James Blain, Fiorillo’s successor, thanked him during his speech. “Thank you for showing me the ropes. Thank you for showing me how to deal with the judges…Thank you for giving me the freedom and the opportunity to help you run the County Clerk’s office.”