Democrat File Photo JUDGE ANTHONY KANE, the highest-ranking judge in Sullivan County, has announced that after 25 years on the Appellate bench, he is retiring.

Judge Kane retiring

By Dan Hust
MONTICELLO — After 25 years on the bench, NYS Appellate Court Justice Anthony Kane is retiring.
Kane, a fixture of Sullivan County law and politics, confirmed his retirement plans yesterday to the Democrat.
“It’s the right thing for me to do,” he remarked.
Noting he’s nearing 65, Kane said he and wife Nancy have always wanted to travel more, though he acknowledged he’ll likely not leave legal work behind.
Retired judges often serve as arbitrators and do trial work, plus Kane is eager to put his talents to use as a volunteer.
And those skills will be welcome, as his experience spans three decades, including service as a County Court, Family Court and Supreme Court judge, with the last seven years spent with the Third Department of the NYS Appellate Division.
An attorney since 1970, Kane said he’ll “especially miss” his staff and coworkers.
“The intellectual stimulation is always present,” he observed, then admitted with a laugh, “Will I miss the hard work on weekends? Not so much.”
Yesterday, however, memories weren’t of the demands of the job but of work done with passion and purpose.
“It has been a great career,” Kane mused. “I’ve sat in all the chairs, except the Court of Appeals.”
And missing that was by his choice, the Forestburgh resident added.
“It’s been a privilege, really, to serve the people of Sullivan County,” he remarked, “and I hope I’ve served them well.”