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Also naming South 20th Street, between Porter Street and Shunk Street, “Judge Anthony J. DeFino Way,” to honor the life and legacy of lifelong South Philadelphian, the Honorable Anthony J. DeFino, and to recognize his years of committed service to Philadelphia’s judicial system.
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WHEREAS, Anthony J. DeFino was born in Philadelphia in 1927 to parents Julia and Michael DeFino. A lifelong South Philadelphian, DeFino grew up on East Passyunk Avenue and graduated from South Philadelphia High School in 1946, before enlisting in the Army shortly thereafter. After honorably serving his country, Defino enrolled at Temple University where he graduated with his law degree in 1955; and
WHEREAS, While enrolled at Temple, DeFino - or “AJ” as he was known by his family and friends - worked as a teacher in the Philadelphia School District. And it was also during these years that DeFino’s life was changed forever when, in 1952, he married Rose Graziano. Rose and Anthony would spend the next 60 years building a family together, lovingly raising eight children and countless grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Following his admission to the Pennsylvania Bar in 1956, Anthony DeFino joined the law firm of Charles Mirarchi, Sr., before rising to become a named partner of the firm. And after decades developing his practice, Anthony would go on to found a new firm, DeFino Law, alongside his son Michael. As a result of Anthony’s commitment to service and his client-first approach to the legal profession, the firm gained a reputation for excellence across Philadelphia and the has firm continued to thrive under the leadership of his sons, Michael and Vincent; and
WHEREAS, Anthony DeFino began his judicial service in 1988 after he was appointed to the Court of Common Pleas by Governor Bob Casey, Sr. and confirmed by the Pennsylvania Senate. After winning election for a full 10-year term in 1989, DeFino continued his service on the bench, primarily presiding over criminal trials, before accepting senior status in 1997 and completing his 19 years of service in the Court of Common Pleas’ Major Trials Division in 2007; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his judicial service and his contributions to the legal profession, Anthony gave generously of his time and energy to numerous civic and philanthropic organizations across Philadelphia. He founded and served as the Grand Master of the Order of Brotherly Love and served as President of the Frank Palumbo Lodge of the Order of Sons of Italy in America; and
WHEREAS, Anthony DeFino is perhaps best remembered for the kindness that he showed to all who were fortunate enough to have known him. Those who knew Anthony fondly recall his wonderful sense of humor, which could light up any room, and his dedication to his beloved hometown. The Honorable Anthony J. DeFino has left a legacy of service to the City of Philadelphia that his family continues to carry forward to this day, and the Council is proud to bestow this honor upon him; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA Also names South 20th Street, between Porter Street and Shunk Street, “Judge Anthony J. DeFino Way,” to honor the life and legacy of lifelong South Philadelphian, the Honorable Anthony J. DeFino.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed Copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Judge Anthony J. DeFino as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
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