DeAngelo takes oath of office as town justice

Warwick — For the first time since Richard Nixon occupied the White House, Daniel Coleman will not serve as town justice in the Town of Warwick. On Wednesday morning, Nancy Brenner DeAngelo took the oath of office, thanked her supporters and her predecessor and began her first term on the town bench. “This is something I’ve always dreamed about but never really expected,” said DeAngelo after being sworn in by her new colleague, town Justice Peter Barlet, while her husband, town Councilman Floyd DeAngelo, held the Bible. DeAngelo said the transition from Coleman, who has served the town for 36 years, to herself will be smooth, noting some similarities between them. “I have many similarities to Judge Coleman,” she said, “including efficiency. Efficacy, rapid adjudication will continue.” DeAngelo, currently a justice in the Village of Greenwood Lake, mentioned her “irreverent sense of humor” and said this is a “momentous time in the court.” DeAngelo will maintain her private practice, something she has done for 22 years. “The salary (of a town justice) is not sufficient that I can close my office,” she said, referring to the $23,970 yearly salary of a justice. “You couldn’t have elected a nicer person or a better person to replace me after 36 years,” said Coleman, who stood with Barlet as he administered the oath of office to DeAngelo. “I’m sure she will do a wonderful job.” Town Supervisor Michael Sweeton agreed. “We thank you, Judge Coleman, for your service. You ruled in a fair and open way, using common sense,” said Sweeton. “While we’ll miss you, we know Nancy will bring that same amount of common sense to the bench with her.” DeAngelo, a Republican, defeated Village of Warwick judge Richard Farina in November for the town job.