Crowd Turns Out To Bid Adieu To Judge Whose Career Spans 36 Years

SOUTHOLD, NY — The notices sent out from Southold Town Justice Court weren't related to parking tickets or jury duty. Instead, they summoned scores of friends, family and colleagues to gather and celebrate the retirement of Judge William H. Price, Jr., who will bid adieu at the end of the month after 36 years of "time served."

The event, held at Greenport Harbor Brewery in Peconic, brought together a crowd of well wishers from all walks of Price's life — and all had stories to share about a man who they said touched their lives.

Rich Vandenburgh, co-founder of Greenport Harbor Brewery, welcomed the crowd; he was followed by Greenport Village Mayor George Hubbard, who said, of Price, "He's a Greenporter, through and through."

Price, Hubbard said, has long been committed to the community, giving back and going the extra mile to "do whatever Greenport needs."

Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell, in remarks laced with humor and memories, talked about decades of friendship with Price, beginning when Russell was first elected as an assessor.

"He's made a difference in everyone's life," the supervisor said. Turning to Price, he added, "I'm going to miss you every day."

Price, looking out over the crowd, said, "It truly is humbling."

He added, "God has ben very good to me, given me compassion and empathy to work with all people and I'm thankful for that."

Smiling, Price imbued his remarks with trademark humor. "I have a lot of friends here. I have a lot of colleagues here. I have family members who have traveled a long way to come see me. Like my sister Sue, who drove all the way from Southold," he joked.

Price thanked former judges and town supervisors. "It's been an honor to work with all of these people. They say things go beyond your wildest dreams. . .Beyond my wildest dreams, if someone that I was going to spend 30 years in a double wide trailer. . " he said, referencing Southold's justice court location, to laughter and applause.

But in a more heartfelt moment, Price brought up his wife and daughter, as well as his staff at Southold justice court and in his Greenport office, thanking them all for how they've shaped his life and taught him so much.

Then he turned to the many who'd turned out to wish him well in the next chapter of his journey. "Without you, I wouldn't be where I am today."

Photos by Lisa Finn.