GOSHEN, N.Y. (January 3, 2019) – Timothy P. McElduff Jr., a long-time attorney with extensive experience in Surrogate Court matters and a partner at a leading Orange County law firm, announced today that he will seek election for his first term as Orange County Surrogate, a seat that will be vacated by retiring Judge Robert A. Onofry.
“Our revered Orange County Surrogate, the Honorable Robert A. Onofry, will be forced to retire in 2019 under New York’s age requirements for county judges,” McElduff said. “Judge Onofry’s tenure as one of our most esteemed jurists is an example of commitment, dedication, and service to one’s community and the law that will not soon be forgotten. Thus, it is with a deep sense of humility and gratitude that I announce my candidacy for election as the next Orange County Surrogate.”
McElduff has the skillset necessary to assume the unique responsibilities that come with sitting on the bench of Surrogate’s Court. He has practiced law for over 20 years and is a partner at Drake Loeb PLLC in New Windsor. His practice has focused on civil litigation with extensive experience in Surrogate’s Court matters, such as estate administration, will contests, guardianships, judicial accountings, removal/appointment of fiduciaries, and discovery proceedings.
For the past 12 years, he has also served as a Town Justice in the Town of Wawayanda Justice Court, one of Orange County’s busiest town and village courts, adjudicating thousands of civil, traffic, and criminal matters. He has been elected to this position for three consecutive four-year terms on the Republican, Conservative, and Independence party lines.
He has served on the board of directors of the YMCA of Eastern Orange and Dutchess Counties, and currently serves on the boards of Inspire and Minisink Valley Little League, where he served as president and vice president. He is a current member and past president of the Orange County Magistrates Association, a 3rd Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, and has volunteered as a judge in the Orange County Mock Trial Competition.
“I have the experience that is required to make difficult decisions as Orange County Surrogate and I will work hard to continue the tradition of honesty, impartiality, and integrity that has served as a hallmark of both the Surrogate’s Court and Judge Onofry’s time on the bench,” McElduff said.
McElduff and his wife, Patricia, live in Slate Hill with their three children, who attend schools in the Minisink Valley Central School District.
