I take this opportunity to say something I have never told anyone: Rob Pineiro was responsible for our chosen identity. It was many years ago, when Rob was in County Court when, sitting in his chambers we saw some videos of the Rumpole of the Bailey series. Rob was always such an interesting fellow, and all of us should learn from his examples, including that there is a life outside of the law. If he was interested in something, that was good enough for me. After we spoke about Rumpole for a few minutes I went out later that day and was able to secure an "Omnibus Rumpole Reader"- a large collection of many of the short stories that make up the Rumpole collection. I was hooked. Many years later when I was toying with the idea of starting the blog I again found myself in Rob's chambers, by now he was in Circuit Court, and there staring at me were those Rumpole Videos! An idea began to take shape.....
I was always immensely gratified that during the first few months of the blog's existence, and then from time to time over the years, I would receive an email from Judge Pineiro, or he would write a thoughtful comment. If in no one else's eyes, then surely in my eyes, it conferred legitimacy on my silly endeavors.
I don't know everything that was said at the service, but I can only imagine that there were more than a few laughs, more than a few tears, and tremendous sadness about someone so wonderful leaving us at such an early age. A hundred years from now little of this will matter. But one thing will remain: Rob Pineiro used the considerable talents the good lord gave him to leave this earth, this county, our city, and all who knew him, better off for him having been a part of our lives. Truly, the good he did will live well beyond all of our limited years.
Once again, rest in peace.
Today we bury a friend and colleague.
20 comments:
Rest in peace my friend. You have done your best to set a great example for all to follow.
Cap Out .....
Very nice sentiments Captain. If I wanted to come home for the funeral I couldn't as I am stuck in this north midwest storm. Most snow ever in one day in Minneapolis. And all over the news is that the roof of the metrodome stadium in Minneapolis, where the Sunday Viking/Giants game was re-se until Monday night. Now the stadium roof has collapsed and there is a tear in it.
No picks today or this week. Mr. Markus and I will email each other our pick and I will post it later this week.
Today is about saying goodbye to our friend and letting his family know how much we care.
Ill be at the service today. Still can't believe it. I was in his chambers the Friday before he passed chit chatting. It's just surreal. I admired him so much.
"WHAT IT IS LIKE IN HEAVEN"
I lived a life worth living. I LOVED my family as much as any father, husband, son or brother could. I was fortunate in life to see my beautiful children grow up in a loving home filled with affection, kindness, guidance and family. During my too brief time here, I felt the love of wonderful parents and two amazing sisters. I even had a Bar Mitzvah when I was an adult and shared this incredible experience with my daughter Alison. All my colleagues and friends joined us at the temple and then the celebration at Miami Shores Country Club. I was so gratified to have been selected as a Judge. It was an honor to serve our community and I always tried to what was just for all. I hope I did that. Right from the beginning in 1989, when I was partnered up with great colleagues on the 1st floor - like Judge Joel Brown, Judge Marc "the Shu", Judge Silverman, Judge Jon Colby and others - I knew that this was my calling. I would have enjoyed everyday of presiding over complex cases till they forced me to retire at 70! Thank you to my colleagues and all of the marvelous lawyers who appeared in front of me over the past 21 years. It has been an honor.
Now, I am at peace. I am in heaven. I have been met there by loving relatives who passed too soon - but also I was embraced by Judge Manny Crespo, Judge Henry Leyte Vidal, Judge Teddy Klein and Judge Linda Dakis. For those who love me, know that I am in good company and will continue to discuss world events, play chess and share my love and respect for others. I will look after all of you and keep a watchful eye. Please continue to act with civility and kindness toward one another. Always be respectful to one another despite what side of the legal case you are on. Most important, realize how fragile life is and LOVE EACH OTHER.
Until we meet again. Kindness, love and respect - and laugh a little more!
To All Sitting Judges,
All judges should aspire to be remembered in this manner. Your position carries the hopes and feelings of the people you serve. Remember today and aspire to be heald in such great esteem, Your Honor requires it.
My one wish is that all the judges in attendance today at his funeral would take to heart what was said about him and realize that Judge Pineiro was not only a great person, he was one of the best, wisest, and fairest judges ever to serve. His loss would be all the more tolerable if he was one of many. The fact that he was so unique makes the loss not only hard on all of us who loved and respected him, but on the generations of defendants who will now have to settle for so much less.
As impressive as Judge Pineiro was as a judge--he was darn good and probably the fairest judge I have encountered in practicing in five states--he was a far better person. RIP.
And to take up where I left off on the front page, by now he is settled, picking a jury with Sy squaring off against Dick Gerstein, with Manny Crespo sitting nearby with a shot of cuban coffee waiting, a stack of WWII history books waiting for them to read and discuss.
At least we can hope and fantasize about the here after being so pleasant.
BTW there were at least 1500 people in attendance. Robs daughter Allie spoke with remarkable strength and poise .
May goodness and mercy continue to follow him, as he moves on to dwell in the house of the Lord.
Godspeed, Judge Pineiro
Amen
Last month I was looking for a judge to swear in my nephew. Judges were all busy, even Rob. He took a break, took us to his chambers, and told us that it was HIS privilege to do it and humbled that we asked.
This was a mensch.
I could not agree with these comments about Judge Pineiro and what his passing should mean to sitting judges more. You see, too many of our current jurists are way too concern with giving this appearance of fairness and impartiality that they stop being fair and impartial.
The reason why we loved Rob Pineiro so much is not because he was gave off a fake stench of judicial impartiality, but because he really was fair. He got rid of the bullshit on his docket and saved everyone the time of dealing with that crap. He knew that the SAO hench men would not bend on certain things, so he got rid of it. He knew that certain defense attorneys kept stalling, so he said no more continuances and would try a case in one day if need be. You knew he was a serious man who took his job seriously but he never lost his human touch.
The judges who read this blog, those in attendance today at his funeral, you should hope and pray we all remember you this way. You should want us to mourn your passing the say we do Judge Pineiro's. Sadly, most of you will never hold a candle to Judge Pineiro.
But at least we have still have Stan Blake & John Thornton.
I was at that funeral and, ironically, this tragic situation created such a positive vibe. It lasted a long time and the eulogies were lengthy simply because there was some much to say about the man.
We walk around in that courthouse and we cast so much in assumptions about our fellow contemporaries without realizing they have a life, a vast life, outside the courthouse. It was fantastic to learn so much about a man that I thought I knew, yet after hearing the sermons, I really did not know much about.
I found it amazing to hear so many references to the "gypsy punk rock" because I do know a lot about that. While so many people are conservative about their tastes in art, often stuck in their own stuff they listened to in their formative years (like listeing to only "classic rock"...yawn) Rob was astute enough to realize good music was good music. We often spoke to about, and turned each other on, to interesting and exciting groups in pop music.
I saw Rob at the "gypsy punk rock" concert. The group is Gogol Bordello. They are hardly obscure...they are one of the most heralded live acts around.
In July 2009, they played at Club Revolution in Fort Lauderdale. The place was packed...like I have never seen. Because we are both "advanced" (too old)for this type, we both arrived early to position ourselve's for the show. I brought my son and Rob brought his son and fellow hipster, PD Luke Fuerster.
Because he was an intellectual (and I am not,) Rob wisely positioned himself on a riser, above and away from the crowd while I, like an idiot, went to the front of the stage. I taunted him, calling him a "pussy" for not going to the front. Boy, did I eat crow for that attitude!
This was the craziest, wildest and most kinetic show I had even been to. The moshing was wall-to-wall with no escape. I thought I was going to get killed while Rob thought it was one of the greatest shows he had ever seen. I was fighting with 1500, hyped up, nutcases, in front of the stage while Rob, from the safety of his very wisely positioned view, was able to watch this incredible show, as well as me getting pummeled. We have laughed many times about this show, the one Rob not only saw on stage but also the show he saw of the crowd in front of the stage.
What made him a great Judge, as well as such a fine person outside of the court, was the same thing I saw at the Gogol Bordello show...intellectualism in a pragmatic and good natured way.
If it works, here is an attachment of the actual show we were at. As usual, the video can never connote what was really going on
http://.youtube.com/watch?v=8N40201RWFg
If that doesn't work than maybe go to YouTube-Gogol Bordello Ft Lauderdale Live @ Revolution Clip
IF tolling bell I ask the cause.
“A soul has gone to God,”
I ’m answered in a lonesome tone;
Is heaven then so sad?
That bells should joyful ring to tell
A soul had gone to heaven,
Would seem to me the proper way
A good news should be given.
Rest in Peace Judge Pineiro.
I never met Judge Pineiro. Wish I had.
Yit'gadal v'yit'kadash sh'mei raba (Cong: Amein).
May His great Name grow exalted and sanctified (`Cong: Amen.)
b'al'ma di v'ra khir'utei
in the world that He created as He willed.
v'yam'likh mal'khutei b'chayeikhon uv'yomeikhon
May He give reign to His kingship in your lifetimes and in your days,
uv'chayei d'khol beit yis'ra'eil
and in the lifetimes of the entire Family of Israel,
ba'agala uviz'man kariv v'im'ru:
swiftly and soon. Now say:
(Mourners and Congregation:)
Amein. Y'hei sh'mei raba m'varakh l'alam ul'al'mei al'maya
(Amen. May His great Name be blessed forever and ever.)
Yit'barakh v'yish'tabach v'yit'pa'ar v'yit'romam v'yit'nasei
Blessed, praised, glorified, exalted, extolled,
v'yit'hadar v'yit'aleh v'yit'halal sh'mei d'kud'sha
mighty, upraised, and lauded be the Name of the Holy One
(Mourners and Congregation:)
B'rikh hu.
Blessed is He.
l'eila min kol bir'khata v'shirata
beyond any blessing and song,
toosh'b'chatah v'nechematah, da'ameeran b'al'mah, v'eemru:
praise and consolation that are uttered in the world. Now say:
(Mourners and Congregation:)
Amein
Amen
Y'hei sh'lama raba min sh'maya
May there be abundant peace from Heaven
v'chayim aleinu v'al kol yis'ra'eil v'im'ru
and life upon us and upon all Israel. Now say:
(Mourners and Congregation:)
Amein
Amen
Oseh shalom bim'romav hu ya'aseh shalom
He Who makes peace in His heights, may He make peace,
aleinu v'al kol Yis'ra'eil v'im'ru
upon us and upon all Israel. Now say:
(Mourners and Congregation:)
Amein
Amen
just got back from court. Judge Cardonne makes my brain hurt.
I once told Rob I needed to delay a felony trial just one day so I could be in Federal court to bag a really juicy case that would pay well. With Rob, you could be honest. That is probably the highest compliment you could make about a judge.
Rob made it happen.
What a great guy he was. I looked forward to being with him.
I wish Rob's family the best in this very difficult time.
Rumple-
My name is Ali Elyse Pineiro. I am Judge Pineiro's daughter. Throughout the years I have heard my father mention this blog, but never taken a look for myself. I wanted to thank you personally for your kind words and sentiments. I also wanted to thank those who had such beautiful comments to make about my father. Your words were very touching, and the stories made me smile. In cleaning out his chambers (which, if you had ever been in there you would know, was not an easy task due to his wide variety of books, photos, figurines and other trinkets) I came across at least 15 Rumple of Bailey books. I put one or two aside and think my father would really love for you to have them. If you are interested please feel free to contact me privately, my email is alielysepineiro@ufl.edu Again, thank you all! I know how much my father would appreciate all of your love and support, as do my family and I.
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