Courthouse bids farewell to Senior Judge Nalitz
The motto of senior judges in Pennsylvania could be, “Have gavel, will travel.”
William R. Nalitz finished his career nearly four years ago as president judge in Waynesburg, the Greene County seat.
But he remained a jurist with senior status, meaning he would use his experience to take on assignments in other counties with burgeoning caseloads, an unexpected vacancy or to allow other judges to avoid a conflict of interest.
So, just a short time after he retired from Greene, Nalitz could be found heading regularly to the Washington County Courthouse.
“Judge (Debbie) O’Dell Seneca retired pretty much the same day I did, and they plugged me in. I live near Ruff Creek, so it’s a simple, 25-minute commute.
“There couldn’t be any senior judge who had such a long stretch in such a convenient location.”
In 2016, Pennsylvania voters narrowly approved a constitutional amendment that permitted judges to remain on the bench until the end of the year in which they turn 75. Previously, the age was 70.
If the new age limit had been applicable earlier, Nalitz said he would’ve served the remainder of his 10-year term in Greene County, exiting at age 73.
“This probably worked out better,” he said. “I was able to get another four years in, but sort of part-time. I’m glad it worked out the way it did, because they assigned me here.”
A Tuesday morning guardianship session lasted past noon, and a group of well-wishers scurried to transform his Courtroom No. 7 into a reception area.
“The courts are service industries, and people come here because they need something, and you all helped to make it possible,” he told well-wishers and staff.
This time, Nalitz really is “stepping down” from the bench. He and his wife, Linda, plan to move to Colorado to be closer to children and grandchildren.