Court says goodbye to clerk Roderick Randall after 30 years at Supreme Court

Randall called an icon of the courts who fought for equal opportunities for court employees

April 4, 2019 Rob Abruzzese

Court clerk specialist Roderick Randall retired from the Brooklyn Supreme Court after 30 years and court employees got a chance to say goodbye to him at a party in the Criminal Term courthouse last Friday afternoon. Eagle photo by Rob Abruzzese

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After working in the Brooklyn court system for 33 years, court clerk specialist Roderick Randall didn’t want to have a big retirement party. However, co-worker Lissette Morales explained that the party wasn’t for him, but for all of the people he helped and was leaving behind.

Once Morales got Randall’s wife Wilhelmina and Justice Deborah Dowling on her side the conversation was over — there would be a party.

So on Friday, March 29, more than 200 court employees including judges and retired employees packed into the ceremonial courtroom to share stories about their friend who was finally retiring after 33 years of hard work serving the court system.

Susie Williams, June Farrow, Rod Randall, Betty Matondo-John and Natasha Delille. Eagle photo by Rob Abruzzese

Hon. Harriet Thompson signs a goodbye card for Randall. Eagle photo by Rob Abruzzese

“If it was a concert, it would be marked sold out,” said Justice Dowling. “People who didn’t RSVP in time were trying to give Lissette (Morales) money right up until yesterday, but we actually had to turn people down because we’re over the limit for the number of people we’re supposed to have in here.”

During a ceremony that lasted longer than an hour, many of Randall’s friends, family members and co-workers had the opportunity to share a story about how he had helped them. Justice Dowling served as the mistress of ceremonies for the event with Hon. Lawrence Knipel, Hon. Ruth Shillingford, Hon. Lewis L. Douglass, Hon. Yvonne Lewis, Hon. Michelle Weston, Harold Williams, Anthony Walters, Major Ernest L. Owens, Rev. William G. Smith and his brother Brian.

From left: Lissette Morales, Marie Nyman and Hon. Robin Sheares. Eagle photo by Rob Abruzzese

“On behalf of the Tribune Society of the New York State Courts, we would like to congratulate you on your well-deserved and long-awaited retirement,” said Leah Richardson, who replaced Randall as president of the organization. “During your tenure with the Tribune Society and your 33 years of service, you have always been at the forefront of the fight for justice and equal opportunities for African American employees of the court system.

“Both your tireless commitment and devotion as president are the reasons why the Tribune Society is the best,” Richardson continued. “You have helped this organization to fulfill its mission. Your dedication, guidance and leadership are appreciated and will not be in vain.”

Chief Clerk Charles Small (left) presented Rod Randall with a citation on behalf of Borough President Eric Adams’ office. Eagle photo by Rob Abruzzese

Hon. Ruth Shillingford, president of the Judicial Friends Association. Eagle photo by Rob Abruzzese

Throughout the ceremony, many people shared a fun anecdote about the times they had with Randall, but many people also commented on his role in fighting for jobs and fair wages for African-Americans and other minorities in the courthouse.

“He’s done a lot for the folks in the system to help people move along,” retired Justice Douglas said. “When we would negotiate with the Office of Court Administration, Rod was always there. He would give us the secret statistics and a lot of people owe their promotions to the things that Rod did. I want to congratulate you and the size of this audience is the best tribute to you. Have a good retirement. I can tell you firsthand that it’s very good.”

Hon. Deborah Dowling served as the host for the party and kept all of Randall’s co-workers and family members in line throughout the event. Eagle photo by Rob Abruzzese

Deputy Clerk of Court John Coakley (center) presented Randall with his retirement shield on behalf of the NYS Court Clerks Association. Eagle photo by Rob Abruzzese

“Although Rod likes to tab himself as a behind-the-scenes type of person, for those who don’t know, Rod has been a warrior for the fight for equal rights, equal justice and equal opportunity for our employees,” said Anthony Walters, director of the Office of Workforce Diversity. “He’s an icon for the work he’s done in the Brooklyn courts and throughout his 33-year career.”

Before the ceremony was over, Deputy Court Clerk John Coakley presented Randall with a retirement shield on behalf of the Court Clerks Association.

“You’ve always been there for the clerks,” Coakley said. “Whether they were right or wrong, you had their back. On behalf of the New York State Court Clerks Association, I want to thank you for your professionalism. You are what the court clerks represent and you were a wonderful human being to everyone in this courthouse while you were here.”

Two former presidents of the Tribune Society of the New York State Courts, Major Ernest Owens (left) and Roderick Randall, with new president Leah Richardson. Eagle photo by Rob Abruzzese

Even retired court employees came out for Rod Randall’s last day. Justice Dowling said that some people who didn’t RSVP in time had to be turned away as the crowd was too large. Eagle photo by Rob Abruzzese

Randall read from prepared remarks so that he could get through them all without getting emotional. Still, he nearly started crying when he talked about how many people were in attendance. Eventually, Coakley broke the tension when he reminded Randall that he didn’t have to come in on Monday.

Randall, the longtime president of the Tribune Society, started working in the courts as a court officer in the Family Court in 1983. By 1986, he had become a clerk in the Supreme Court. Over the years, he worked in many parts including matrimonial, mental hygiene, medical malpractice and guardianship, and was head of the pilot DCM project, and worked JCP, trial support and the order to show cause part.

“I just want to thank former Administrative Judge Sylvia Hinds Radix, the present Administrative Judge Lawrence Knipel, First Deputy Chief Clerk Donna Farrell and Chief Clerk Charles Small for diffusing complaints in which my delivery of the truth to a coworker, litigant or attorney was not as soft and tactful as they might have preferred,” said Randall, adding, “I had a great career.”