West Palm Beach, FL — Ira Raab, a distinguished judge from Long Island known for his practical and swift handling of court cases, passed away at age 89 due to complications following a fall at his Florida residence, his family disclosed. Raab, celebrated for his judicial prowess and innovative approaches to settling disputes, served the legal community with distinction, leaving a legacy of shortened legal processes and amicably resolved conflicts.
Raab’s son, Michael Raab, reminisced that his father was essentially a peacekeeper at heart, always eager to cut through unnecessary prolongations and resolve matters directly. This philosophy was famously symbolized by the bowl of candy he would offer lawyers in his courtroom upon settling a case, a gesture encouraging efficiency and cooperation.
Born in New York City in 1935 and raised on the Lower East Side, Raab’s journey in law began after graduating from the City College of New York in 1955, followed by Brooklyn Law School in 1957. His career in the judiciary began to ascend when he was elected as a District Court judge in 1996, eventually ascending to the New York State Supreme Court in 2001 where his talents for mediation flourished.
Vito DeStefano, Nassau County Administrative Judge, praised Raab for his unwavering commitment to judicious dispute resolution, noting that his passing marks a significant loss to the legal community. Indeed, Raab’s record is punctuated by notable achievements, including the rapid settlement of over 70% of 300 dumped personal injury cases within two months, an accomplishment that underscored his efficiency.
Beyond the bench, Raab was described by attorney Steven Weinstein, who studied under him, as an “all-around lawyer” capable of handling diverse caseloads from compensation to criminal law. This versatility was matched by inventive court management tactics, such as preliminary phone calls among lawyers to steer cases towards settlement before formal court proceedings, thereby reducing costs and backlog.
Raab’s commitment to service extended into his political life as an active Democrat and an officer of the American Judges Association. However, his career faced challenges, notably in 2003 when the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct censured him. The commission had contemplated harsher penalties for Raab’s involvement in political activities and inappropriate conduct toward an attorney but concluded with a censure appreciating his remorse over the incidents.
His personal life was as rich and full as his professional endeavors. Ira Raab’s marriage of 35 years to Gloria, who survives him, began whimsically when they met at a Long Beach courthouse. He was also a family man, deeply supportive of his children and stepchildren, cherished by 18 grandchildren.
Leaders from across Nassau County, including County Executive Bruce Blakeman, remembered Raab as a man embodied by integrity, honor, and fairness, whose professional efforts should stand as exemplary for all.
Raab’s funeral services were scheduled to be held at Gutterman’s Rockville Centre Chapel, with subsequent burial at Cedar Park Cemetery, Paramus, New Jersey. As tributes continue, the reflection on Judge Ira Raab’s contributions affirms a legacy marked by fairness, efficiency, and a profound dedication to fostering peace and resolution within the judicial system.