A Bittersweet Farewell for Nassau Court Employees

More than 30 non-judicial employees from Nassau County were honored for their many years of service Tuesday afternoon at the Nassau County Supreme Court building.

Thirty-three of the approximate 100 retirees who accepted New York's early retirement incentive were presented with individual certificates by the Honorable Margaret C. Reilly, a district court judge from Oyster Bay, and Nassau County Administrative Judge Anthony Marano, who presided over the event.

"We are disappointed that they are doing this on the level of the institution because we will be losing so many knowledgeable and hardworking people," Justice Marano said, "but we are also delighted that people are able to make this choice to leave on their own free will and get a little something they would not have ordinarily gotten if they retired at a different time."

The employees who were present received a hearty round of applause by the rest of the audience who acknowledged the contributions they made throughout their careers.

"And in the end, it is not the years in your life that count, but the life in your years," Judge Reilly said, quoting from Abraham Lincoln. "You have set the standard for all of those to follow in your footsteps. Thank you for all of your diligence and hard work, but most of all, thank you for your friendship."