He was one of the most accomplished judges to ever grace the bench. A highly respected jurist, Surrogate Robert J. Gigante was admired for his professionalism, his powerful and innovative decisions, his inherent humility and his personal philosophies that would ultimately benefit children and families in and out of the courtroom. 

A consummate gentleman, whose amiable disposition, generosity of spirit and altruistic nature were a testament to the exemplary life he led, passed away Wednesday afternoon in his Dongan Hills home surrounded by his family. He was 75.