Felix J. Aulisi

Justice Felix J. Aulisi (born June 18, 1900 in Laviano, Italy, died September 20, 1976) was a judge in the New York Supreme Court from 1952 until his retirement in 1971.

During his youth, he lived with his mother in Italy because his father had come to the United States to seek the family's fortune. Justice Aulisi followed his father to the city of Amsterdam, New York, at the age of 12. He helped his father in his shoemaker shop. He graduated from Union College and Albany Law School of Union University and was admitted to the New York State Bar on September 15, 1925. He began the practice of law in Amsterdam, New York with the law firm of Conover, Myers and Searle. He continued with the firm for five years before beginning a solo practice. Following service as an assistant district attorney, Justice Aulisi commenced has judicial career as Montgomery County Surrogate Judge, followed by his election in 1949 as Montgomery County Court Judge, and then, in 1952, his election to the New York Supreme Court. Justice Aulisi's reelection to the Supreme Court in 1966 set a record for vote margin of victory. Justice Aulisi was appointed to the Appellate Division of the New York Supreme Court in 1964 and served until his retirement in 1971.

During World War II, Justice Aulisi served three years in the Army in North Africa, Sardinia and Italy, attaining rare distinction as a much decorated military judge with the United States Army occupation forces in Italy as a captain and then major. In 1944, when his surrogate judgeship came up for election, he was returned unopposed for a third term in absentia, and the oath of office was delivered to him in Rome. When Justice Aulisi volunteered for military service in 1943, the 42 year old judge was married, had three children, and held an exempt position as a judge of a court of record.

He was married to Rose Pipito Aulisi and has three children: Rosalie Aulisi Riccio, Nancy Aulisi Catena and Joseph G. Aulisi. His brother, Arthur, was also a Justice of the New York Supreme Court. His two sons-in-law, Michael J. Riccio and Gene L. Catena, have served as judges in Montgomery County. His nephew, Richard T. Aulisi, is currently a Justice of the New York Supreme Court, and his grandson, Felix J. Catena, is currently Montgomery County Court Judge.

External links

* [http://www.courts.state.ny.us/history/elecbook/3d_dept_hist/pg19.htm History of the Third Department] - Historical Society of the Courts of the State of New York