The Honorable Anthony J. Certo (Tony born Antonio), 87, of St. Lucie West, FL, formerly of Niagara Falls, NY, passed away peacefully on Sunday September 23, 2012 after a long bout with Alzheimer's.

Born to Peter and Catherine (Antonucci) in Niagara Falls, NY, he attended local Schools, then Niagara University and St. John's University School of Law in New York City - earning a Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree (JD).

Growing up meant working with Father Peter, brothers Ken, Al and Henry and sisters Margaret, Elizabeth and Mary in what would eventually become Certo Brothers Distributing Company – a beer wholesale distribution business which expanded outside of Niagara Falls in the early 1960's and now covers all five Western NY Counties and employs over 300 people with its principal office in West Seneca, NY.

During World War II, Tony fought as part of the 88th Infantry Division of the US Army and he received the Good Conduct Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars, the WWII Victory Medal, and the Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII. He served his country honorably from October 1943 to January 1946.

Tony Became licensed to practice law in the State of New York in 1954, worked on the board of the Niagara Falls Corporation Counsel while maintaining a private practice of civil and criminal law. He was proud to eventually be part of the law office of his nephew, the now Hon. Angelo Morinello, Joseph Carosella and John Mattio. In 1974, he was appointed Niagara Falls City Court Judge filling the place of the late Judge John DeSantis, and then ultimately being elected to that position several times and later appointed Chief Judge of the Niagara Falls City Court from which position he retired at age 70 in 1995. While in office, he was a proponent of "speedy justice" keeping the court on a rigorous schedule, and he pioneered programs to modernize the workflow and records of the court. He took pride in making decisions designed to be legal and fair to all parties. His decisions were based on thorough research and deep contemplation, and litigants on all sides respected him for his thoughtfulness and even-handed approach to justice. Judge Certo was a rare individual who was viewed as a friend by all. His innovative approach to modern means of conducting the court's business enabled his court to be in the forefront of computerization of records, and that became a model for courts around the the state. He loved his job so much that after retirement he continued hearing cases as a Judicial Hearing Officer.

Anthony was an avid golfer and member of the Niagara Frontier Country Club in Youngstown, NY. He also was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council in Niagara Falls, NY. Tony also enjoyed racquetball, playing cards and spending time with his family and friends.

Anthony was married to Rita (Cukierski [Sugar]) in 1958 at Holy Trinity Church in Niagara Falls, NY and was together with his wife until his death. They raised three children; Karen Anne Certo of Niagara Falls, a Pharmacist for Tops Markets since 1984, Anthony (Tony) P. Certo of Buffalo, Secretary/Treasurer of Certo Brothers Distributing Company, and Elizabeth (Tish) A. Certo of Hartsdale, NY., a golf professional at Willow Ridge Country Club in Westchester, NY.
In addition to his wife and children, Anthony is survived by three grandsons: Christopher J. Lofstrand II, Peter A. Certo, and Michael J. Certo, as well as two sisters, Elizabeth (Robert) Pfleger and Mary (Morinello) Rolle, all of this area. He was predeceased by a sister, Margaret (late Frank, late Palmer) Sirianni, and four Brothers Candelor "Ken" (late Katherine) Certo, Albert J. (Josephine of Niagara Falls) Certo, Andrea "Hank" (Natalie of Niagara Falls) Certo and Joseph Certo. He was the loving uncle and close to 24 nieces and nephews as well as several cousins.

Visitation will be held on Friday September 28, 2012 from 2 – 4 & 6:30 - 9 PM at the M.J.COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY where funeral services will begin on Saturday September 29th at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Vincent DePaul Parish at St. Leo's Church, 2748 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY with Rev. Andrew Lauricella officiating. Interment with Military honors will be held in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY. Gifts in lieu of anything may be made in his name to: St. Lucie Hospice House, 5090 Dunn Road, Fort Pierce, FL 34981 Phone: (772)462-8900