The passing last week of Judge Joseph V. Ferrino marks the end of an era in the East Boston, Revere and Winthrop area. It is fair to say that there is no person who has been more impactful and was more esteemed in the communities over the course of the past 50 years than Judge Ferrino. He truly was a giant in so many respects and in so many varied ways.

Judge Ferrino, the son of Sicilian immigrants, was a veteran of World War II who went on to establish a remarkable legal career that culminated with his service as the First Justice of the East Boston District for 20 years from 1976 until his retirement in 1996.