New Judge Whelan vows to work hard on the bench
MEDIA COURTHOUSE » Former county District Attorney Jack Whelan took his place as the 96th judge of the Delaware County Common Pleas Court Wednesday to effusive applause, friends and family beaming as he sat upon the bench where he expects to end his career.
Whelan was joined by Common Pleas Court judges George A. Pagano and Mary Alice Brennan, both of whom won retention elections in November, during a jovial induction event in the county’s ceremonial Courtroom One. All county judges are Republicans.
Whelan was introduced by Ridley Township Board of Commissioners President Robert Willert, who did not miss an opportunity for some good natured ribbing by asking if his old friend would finally put away the story that he tackled a would-be robber in a CVS and noting that Whelan “drinks a lot.”
Over his career in public service, Willert said Whelan displayed the kind of smarts, integrity and strength required of a state judge. Despite the long hours required of him in various posts over his career, however, Willert said Whelan always made time for his family, who were also present Wednesday.
Whelan began his remarks by assuring the audience that he really does not drink that much, joking that people should not question certain old friends and colleagues in attendance too closely about it.
Whelan said he was blessed to have enjoyed his career to date, thanking his staff members in the District Attorney’s office for their efforts and singling out former county Councilman Dave White, a fellow Ridley Republican who lost a reelection bid in November, for his help in combating the opioid epidemic.
Whelan also recounted the story of joining the Delaware County Bar Association, when then-President Judge Francis J. Catania told him, “We could always use one additional good attorney.”
“And a good attorney is one that is honest, hardworking and understands the importance of integrity,” said Whelan. “So I take the attitude that I had at the District Attorney’s office, and that is the attitude of the intensity – every day, understanding the importance of being an honest, hardworking individual – and I apply it now to my position in the Court of Common Pleas, and I commit to you today that I will not let you down.”
Pagano – introduced by his son, George A. Pagano II, in a previously videotaped segment – said this will be his final election. Though normally short of words, he took his final opportunity to speak at length about those who have guided and helped him over the course of his career because, as he said, “There’s not a damn thing you can do to me.”
Pagano noted that he had spent decades in the same ceremonial courtroom, beginning with an Eagle Scout review 50 years ago at age 15, and most recently when his daughter, Mary Emily Pagano, joined the bar five years ago.
Pagano said he has known since high school that he wanted to be a judge and thanked all those who made that possible for him, as well as those who served in his courtroom over the past 20 years.
“He loves what he does,” said the younger Pagano. “He loves serving his community. He loves, day after day, going into work, dealing with certain problems and situations, trying to help the community in Delaware County be an even better place, and that’s what we need in judges.”
Brennan was introduced by her sister, Kathleen Celestino, who described her as an honest, thoughtful, compassionate and humble person possessed of strength, honor and good character.
“I am honored to call her my little sister and tell her that she has done the family proud,” said Celestino.
Judge James Kenney, who swore in Brennan for her second term, added that she is well liked and even well loved by her colleagues, as well as other employees in the building, all of whom she knows by name.
“Your support and the support of my sweet family has always been a sustaining influence in my life,” said Brennan. “Thank you to the citizens of Delaware County. Your clear affirmation of my retention is both gratifying and a reminder of my pledge to you as a public servant.”