REST IN PEACE ROBERTO PINEIRO

UPDATE: While we could not attend the funeral Sunday, we have received several emails confirming an astonishing fact: that two of Rob Pineiro's closest friends who eulogized him mentioned this blog! We are humbled. We are told that one of his best friends quoted our brief statement that "he was not a good man, but a great man....that he was not a good judge, but a great judge." Again, we are humbled.

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.

ROBERTO PINEIRO

The title of the post links to an expanded article by Herald writer David Ovalle and it is an excellent piece.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12, 2010, at Temple Beth Moshe, 2225 NE 121 Street, North Miami, Florida 33181.

Burial will be at Lakeside Memorial Park, 10301 NW 25th Street, Miami, FL 33172, immediately following the service.

In his honor, the flags at all Miami-Dade Courthouses are being flown at half-staff.

From: Brown, Joel

Sent: Thursday, December 09, 2010 12:53 PM

To: All Judges JAs and Court Staff

Subject: Judge Pineiro

I am deeply saddened to inform you that our dear friend and colleague, Judge Roberto Pineiro has passed away.Judge Pineiro served this community with the utmost distinction since being appointed to the County Court in 1989 and again to the Circuit Court in 1996.Judge Pineiro will be remembered for his strong work ethic and unfailing devotion to justice. His legacy will always remain steadfast in the hearts and minds of our entire court family and so many others whose lives he has touched during the past two decades.Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family. We have all lost a true champion and a pillar of justice.

This is a very sad day.

Judge Joel H. Brown

Rumpole says: Roberto Pineiro was not a good man, he was a great man. He was not a good judge, he was a great judge. He served his community and made this a better place to live for all of us. He was dedicated to his family and this is a loss that hits all of us hard. Words cannot express how sad a day this is. The flags are at half staff at the REGJB and deservedly so.

JUDGE ROBERTO PINEIRO REMAINS IN THE HOSPITAL

UPDATE: Rob Pineiro's condition remains extremely serious. As several comments have indicated, including an eloquent statement by our State Attorney Ms. Rundle, his wife Barbara appreciates all the well wishes and prayers but wants to make sure everyone knows that this is a very personal time and the family wishes to be with him at the hospital without anyone outside of the family, no matter well intentioned, being present. I am certain everyone who counts Rob Pineiro as a friend, and who has been praying for him, will respect his family's wishes.

Judge Pineiro had a stroke. His condition is serious.

This is a great man who has touched so many lives in the course of his work and life.

Please take a moment today to reflect on how fragile life is and to keep Rob Pineiro and his family in your thoughts.

We are praying for him.

Earlier today we had received erroneous information that was confirmed by two separate sources. It is not correct. We truly regret any pain this has caused Rob Piniero's family.