Bay Ridge

Premium Content:
Bay Ridge Lawyers honor ‘Mr. Community’ for his loyalty, longevity and leadership

Charles Otey promoted engagement and good citizenship in the community and the courthouse

January 24, 2025 Wayne Daren Schneiderman
From left: Ray Ferrier; Marty Golden; Chuck Otey, esq.; and Arthur Aidala, esq. Photo by Mario Belluomo
Share this:

DYKER HEIGHTS — The Bay Ridge Lawyers Association (BRLA) held its annual holiday party and judges’ night before approximately 100 spectators on Thursday, Jan. 16 at Sirico’s Caterers to honor a man whose list of accomplishments and service to his community run the gamut. 

Charles “Chuck” Otey, esq., is originally from a small steel town in West Virginia. Otey graduated Brooklyn Law School back in 1967 and was admitted to the New York Bar one year later. He was a member of the BRLA from 1968 through 2023 and was their president in 1996. 

Chuck Otey holding his Certificate of Appreciation alongside Mario Romano. Photo by Mario Belluomo
Chuck Otey holding his Certificate of Appreciation alongside Mario Romano. Photo by Mario Belluomo

As for his civic duty, Otey was secretary of the Bay Ridge Development Corp.; an officer, secretary and marketing director for the Merchants of Third Avenue from 1993 to 2023; a member of the Brooklyn Bar Association; and a member and president of the Bay Ridge Community Council. 

Otey was also a columnist for the Home Reporter and Sunset News from 1962 to 2023, then at the Brooklyn Daily Eagle from 2002 to 2024. 

From left: BRLA Past President Ray Ferrier; Hon. Joe Bova; Steve Cohn, esq.; Greg LaSpina; and Dean Deliantes, esq. Photo by Mario Belluomo
From left: BRLA Past President Ray Ferrier; Hon. Joe Bova; Steve Cohn, esq.; Greg LaSpina; and Dean Deliantes, esq. Photo by Mario Belluomo

At 86, Otey shows no signs of slowing down. 

“This is so wonderful,” Otey said upon receiving a Certificate of Appreciation from BRLA. “So many of these people here are my good friends that I have known for so long. I feel seriously appreciated.” 

Otey praised the BRLA and said, “There is no other neighborhood association in New York State like [it].” 

Chris Caputo (right) and guest. Photo by Mario Belluomo
Chris Caputo (right) and guest. Photo by Mario Belluomo

Dozier Hasty, publisher of the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, who introduced Otey and sponsored the night’s event, told the audience he is “in awe at his approach to community.”

“Chuck has managed to do such a wide variety of things since I’ve been associated with him throughout the years,” Hasty said. “I can’t believe how much he’s managed in terms of organizing associations and publicizing them so effectively in ways that help keep them alive and thriving. He is ‘Mr. Community’ here in Bay Ridge.” 

Right to left: Steve Cohn, esq.; Hon. Donald Scott Kurtz; Marissa Arrabito; Greg LaSpina; and guest. Photo by Mario Belluomo
Right to left: Steve Cohn, esq.; Hon. Donald Scott Kurtz; Marissa Arrabito; Greg LaSpina; and guest. Photo by Mario Belluomo

Mario Romano, president of the BRLA, referred to Otey’s life’s accomplishments as “incredible.” 

Ray Ferrier, the organization’s past president, said, “Because of Chuck’s promotion of the Bay Ridge Lawyers Association, we are one of the most renowned lawyers associations and maybe one of the most elite in all of Brooklyn.” 

Former State Sen. Marty Golden, also in attendance, called Otey “a true leader.” 

Former State Sen. Marty Golden alongside Mario Romano, president of the BRLA. Photo by Mario Belluomo
Former State Sen. Marty Golden alongside Mario Romano, president of the BRLA. Photo by Mario Belluomo

“We go back 60 years,” Golden said. “He was great at what he did, and he continues to be great.” 

In addition to Otey, 11 judges were also acknowledged. They included Hon. Joe Bova, Hon. Theresa Ciccotto, Hon. Vincent Del Giudice, Hon. Catherine DiDomenico, Hon. Bernard Graham, Hon. John Ingram, Hon. Sergio Jimenez, Hon. Donald Leo, Hon. Janet McFarland, Hon. Hemalee Patel, Hon. Alexis Riley and Hon. Chris Robles.  

Chuck Otey, esq. alongside Steve Cohn, esq. Photo by Mario Belluomo
Chuck Otey, esq. alongside Steve Cohn, esq. Photo by Mario Belluomo

The BRLA, formed in 1954 by a group of local attorneys who wanted to meet and discuss various issues they were experiencing in the law field, now claims approximately 400 members.

“Our future plans for the organization include growing it,” Romano said, who has been part of the group since the 1990s. Romano continued, “They are always there for you if you need anything. It’s such a great bunch of people.”





Leave a Comment


Leave a Comment