Former Cortlandt Town Justice Gerald M. Klein Dies at 76
Former longtime Cortlandt Town Justice Gerald M. Klein died November 13. He was 76.
Klein served on the Cortlandt bench for 28 years before losing a bid for reelection in 2017. Klein, who also had a private law practice in Croton-on-Hudson, often referred to his courtroom as a “court of hope” where he could play a role in getting young criminal offenders back on the right track.
Cortlandt Supervisor Linda Puglisi said Klein, also a former town attorney, presided our court with “distinction, fairness, integrity and with honor.”
“Judge Klein was well respected by all of his colleagues, fellow judges, attorneys who came into the courtroom, his co-workers in the court office and by all of us who worked with him at Town Hall,” Puglisi stated.
“I have known Judge Klein for over 30 years. He was always very pleasant asking me about my family (children and grandchildren). That meant a lot to me and I will never forget that kindness,” Puglisi continued. “Even though Gerry Klein will be remembered by all of us in the town and greater community as a long serving town justice that was only one part of his life. Gerry was a devoted family man to his lovely wife Lee and to their three children, to his many friends, to several community organizations and to his faith.”
Born September 28, 1944, Klein was a long-time congregant at Temple Israel of Northern Westchester and enjoyed being a Croton Lion where he volunteered on their many charitable committees. He was also a board member of the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce. A Republican, he also served as chairman of the Cortlandt Planning Board.
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