Richmond County Bar Association honors two jurists before a crowd of 550 (24 photos)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Members of the Richmond County Bar Association gathered to mark their 114th annual Anniversary Banquet last week. Some 550 jurists, family members and friends filled Nicotra’s Ballroom at the Hilton Garden Inn to celebrate the evening that also serves to honor individuals for their dedication, support and service.

Recognized this year were Surrogate Matthew J. Titone, who was the 2025 Honoree of the Year, and attorney Allyn J. Crawford, who was presented with the Richard D. Lasher Meritorious Service Award.

SURROGATE MATTHEW J. TITONE

Titone is the son of the late Margaret and Vito J. Titone, who served as an associate judge of the New York Court of Appeals.

Early on in Titone’s career he did pro bono work for the Staten Island AIDS Task Force, for Project Hospitality and for those who couldn’t afford legal representation.

He served on the board of directors of Community Health Action of Staten Island, formerly the Staten Island AIDS Task Force, and on the board of trustees for Legal Services of New York.

His participation also included leadership at Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, where he served as interim president and CEO.

Titone authored more than 150 pieces of legislation and had over 35 signed into law.

In 2018 Titone was elected to the bench in New York State as the seventh surrogate in Richmond County.

ALLYN J. CRAWFORD

Crawford has been practicing law since 1995, handling commercial, real property, estate and business litigation, as well as real estate and business transactions.

He founded his practice in 2006 with clients that included developers, landowners, financial and education institutions, trade associations, property owners and professionals.

He is past present of the Richmond County Bar Association and is a member of its board of directors.

He was the chair of the Court Committee, and has served on its Judiciary, Grievance and Admissions Committees.

He served also as a member of the Second Department’s Grievance Committee for the 2nd, 11th and 13th Judicial Districts for three terms and was a past delegate from the 13th Judicial District to the New York State Bar.

He is a member of many community organizations including having served as general counsel to the Building Industry Association of New York City.

He is a member of the board of directors of the Staten Island Council and the Boy Scouts of America where he was awarded its Good Scout Award in 2016.

THE PROGRAM

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Ethan Poznanski followed by the singing of “God Bless America” by Terry Tarangelo.

The invocation was offered by Rev. Michael Martine, pastor of Holy Rosary R.C. Church.

Opening remarks were delivered by Judge Rodriguez. “For over a century, the Richmond County Bar Association has demonstrated to the legal profession excellence in the practice of law. This evening there will be a swearing in of a new president,” he said.

Judge Rodriguez went on to acknowledge past president Karen Soren and new president, Vincent Albunio.

After being sworn in as new president, Albunio expressed his gratitude.

“To be entrusted with this role by our members is a privilege that I accept with great pride and a profound sense of responsibility.”

In congratulating Titone, he said: “ Your dedication to public service, first as assemblyman and now as surrogate, exemplifies your deep compassion for the well-being of the people of Staten Island. Your achievements are a testament to you and your family’s enduring legacy here in Richmond County, and this celebration for you is well-deserved.

To Allyn Crawford: “Your unwavering commitment to our Bar Association, your invaluable advice and counsel behind the scenes, and your steadfast support of our profession embody the very spirit of service this award was meant to honor. Thank you, and congratulations.

To Rodriguez, “I look forward to working with you this year. Together, we share the goal of advocating for the interests of our legal community and ensuring the fair and efficient administration of justice in Richmond County.”

Albunio offered a special thank you to past presidents Soren and Tim O’Donovan.

“From my parents example, I learned that no matter what you do in life, no matter how trivial, it should be done to the best of your ability with integrity, honesty and pride and to strive for excellence. I also learned not to be afraid or embarrassed to seek advice because no one knows everything.”

He explained the Richmond County Bar Association has long been an organization that fosters professional and personal camaraderie, providing a pipeline between the bench and the bar and serving as a resource for practitioners.

“Today, we communicate with the court through e-mails and computer-generated notifications,” he noted and spoke of the challenges that lie ahead for attorneys with remote appearances, which cut the opportunity to interact on a personal level.

He envisions the bar as a bridge for what’s missing and as a vehicle for mentorship and community for young attorneys who may not have the interactions that other attorneys once had on a daily basis.

“It is my vision and hope that now the Richmond County Bar Association will be the bridge to help maintain those vital personal connections and sense of community while advancing the interests of our membership.”

ANDREW CRAWFORD

In speaking of Allyn Crawford, Andrew Crawford, his son, noted his dad loves being an attorney.

“He’s built a reputation on Staten Island and beyond. He’s always worked harder than everyone around him and I’ve heard that from judges and attorneys. And’s he managed to give so much to others and always gives others a chance to succeed.”

“How do you beat that?” the elder Crawford said from the podium.

“This year my son Andrew got sworn into the bar and this is my 30th year in practice and it’s my 30th wedding anniversary. And I also have a new grandchild,” he commented.

“I can’t think of a greater honor than to be recognized by my peers. This recognition is as much yours as it is mine. Thank you to my dear friend John Marangos. Thanks to Chris Caputo who’s been there for me many times and my friend Kerry Bringslid, my partner and friend. She’s been by my side. I am very proud of the work the Bar Association does. It touches the core of the community of Staten Island. To young attorneys, I encourage you to get involved. And to members of the Association, thank you for trusting me. And what a great job Karen Soren did tonight. I can’t tell you what this means to me.”

JOHN MARANGOS

In introducing Titone, Marangos, said:

“Many of you are aware of Judge Titone’s accomplishments. I had the privilege of working with his father, Judge Titone, in the Court of Appeals. And this is a great honor and pleasure for his mom and dad.”

SURROGATE MATTHEW J. TITONE

After some back and forth banter with the crowd, Titone acknowledged his staff, and his family.

“My biological family and my chosen family are here and John Marangos, a brother, an uncle, a friend and an advisorm . . . Josh, my better half, who means so much to me, is here and I would not be here tonight if not for him. Happy birthday, Josh!”

He thanked Kerry Bringlid, former president of the association and former partner of Allyn Crawford.

“My love and gratitude to John Marangos, who is like a brother, cousin and an uncle and a mentor. I remember him before he married Alexis. And his two beautiful daughters. He has been an integral part of the Titone family household for as long as I can remember.

“To have him introduce me was so special. And my brother, Steven, and sister, Liz, are here. I have the best staff in the state. We all allow each other to learn to grow. We can disagree and work around the table. We may disagree on some cases but we work it out. And the key to being a good judge is to be able to listen to the people you work with. And I am so proud to be serving our country.”