PJ Koury Pays Tribute to Judge Zito

President Judge Michael J. Koury, Jr. 

Earlier this week, I profiled Northampton County Senior Judge Leonard Zito, who is stepping down from the bench in June to return to private practice. President Judge Michael Koury will assume the unenviable task of administering criminal court. This is what Judge Koury has said about Leonard Zito.

Judge Leonard Zito has been a dedicated public servant. He served his country in the United States Navy. He served as the county’s Chief Public Defender and County Solicitor. And for more than a decade, Judge Leonard Zito has served the citizens of Northampton County as a judge with distinction and honor. Judge Zito brought to the bench all his life experiences and street smarts, as well as his unparalleled work ethic which was instilled in him by his parents Nicholas and Rose Zito. And as the sum of all these parts, he became known as one of the most reliable and knowledgeable of people to sit in judgment of others.

Judge Zito never forgot what it was like to practice as a lawyer. He maintained a collegial relationship with the members of the bar and treated them with respect and professional courtesy. Judge Zito created and administered an efficient and effective criminal case processing system, and through his tireless efforts we have been able to swiftly and fairly dispense justice to the citizens of Northampton County.

The Greek philosopher Socrates said, “Four things belong to a Judge: to hear courteously; to answer wisely; to consider soberly; and to decide impartially.” During his years on the bench, Judge Zito always followed Socrates’s time-honored instructions. The Court thanks Judge Zito for his many years of service to the bench, the bar, and the citizens of Northampton County. When Court adjourns on May 1, 2019, it will do so with gratitude and in honor of the Honorable Leonard N. Zito.