ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Belmont County Common Pleas Judge Frank Fregiato is closing out a long and impressive legal career. He will be retiring effective June 30 and will be moving to Cincinnati.

On Friday, friends, family, colleagues and officials stopped by the third floor of the Belmont County Courthouse to congratulate Fregiato, reminisce, share stories and wish him well going forward.

Fregiato spent much of the afternoon behind the bench where he has presided since 2013. The courtroom and hall outside were filled with well-wishers.

“I’m quite humbly moved. So many people have come up to me and congratulated me,” he said. “I thank them for these comments. It’s been over 30 years in combined common pleas and county court, it is time for me to move on.”

Around noon, guests gathered in Fregiato’s courtroom to hear some remarks. Fregiato began with the biblical quote: “For everything there is a season.”

He also recalled the lyrics from “Cat’s in the Cradle,” which concerns putting off time with family to focus on other goals.

“It is emotionally moving and rings through for so many who hear it. I love the song and the message that you can’t delay experiences with your children and grandchildren forever,” he said. “Many of us are too busy chasing the next big case, not realizing the time to have meaningful experiences with your family is right now.”

He also referred to the John Lennon lyrics from his song, “Beautiful Boy,” that life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.

“One is never expecting some of the issues and circumstances that life has coming one’s way,” he said, recalling advice from his mother who said life was too short.

Cory DelGuzzo, president of the Belmont County Bar Association, said Fregiato has served as an example both with his legal work and through community involvement.

“It’s always been my pleasure to work with you,” he said.

Several colleagues gave remarks.

Richard Myser, a longtime legal partner in private practice with Fregiato, shared an amusing story from their early days, when Fregiato was taking him on a tour of Oglebay and Myser had to manually operate the windshield wipers.

“We shared offices side-by-side for more years in private practice than probably what he was on the bench and enjoyed every minute of it,” he said prior to the other remarks. “Frank was a very fair judge on the bench. He was also a very fair, honest, straightforward attorney, and that was one of the things I have taken from him.”

Belmont County Commissioner Josh Meyer read a resolution honoring Fregiato on behalf of the commissioners.

“You’ve been the epitome of a public servant,” Meyer said. “He has left his indelible mark.”

Belmont County Common Pleas Judge John Vavra reflected on their time on the bench and on Fregiato’s trademark stern words for some defendants.

“We have worked very well together,” Vavra said. “There was nothing but cooperation. … What we have accomplished has really helped the citizens of this county.”

Juvenile and Probate Judge Al Davies recalled working with Fregiato in 1992 as a law clerk and being introduced to Fregiato’s striking personal style.

“There were fights along the way, but they were brotherly love,” Davies said. “I am incredibly grateful for the relationship I’ve had with Frank for 30-plus years.”

He also commended Cynthia Fregiato, Fregiato’s wife and the county clerk of courts. She will be retiring in August.

“Belmont County is losing two incredible, monumental figures in the legal community,” he said, adding that the Fregiatos have spearheaded the yearly car show to raise funds for drug prevention outreach in Belmont County’s schools, and that future events will not be the same without them. “They will never, ever be forgotten, and no one will ever be able to replace them.”

Court reporter Kristi Lipscomb became emotional when recalling her time working with Fregiato, his humor and professionalism.

“He always held himself to a very high standard. He worked tirelessly,” Lipscomb said. “He held us to the same standard that he himself was willing to give.”

Other guests were Jim Carnes, who served as a state senator from 1995-2004.

“Frank Fregiato and I have been best friends for over 40 years,” he said. “It’s a bittersweet day. He’s had such a wonderful career. Such a great person, and actually it is a privilege to be here.”

Carnes spoke about the impact of programs Frigato had been involved with, such as live courts in classrooms.

“He’s done so much for Belmont County. He’s meant so much for the kids of Belmont County,” Carnes said.

Chief Justice Sharon Kennedy of the Ohio Supreme Court also stopped by. She said Fregiato touched the lives of many.

“It will be a full house today, I assure you,” she said. “We’ve been good friends through the years, and I love Judge Fregiato. He’s been a good friend to me. He is one of those individuals who is driven by excellence in everything he did, not only in the practice of law but serving as a judge as well.”

She cited Fregiato’s work with initiatives such as the county drug court and veterans court.

“He is a big believer in being able to help others change their life as long as you take the opportunity to really look into what is the root cause of the criminal behavior and trying to change that,” she added.

Mary DeGenaro, former Ohio Supreme Court justice and Seventh District Court of Appeals judge, also wished him well. She recalled his advice and support.

“It was an honor to know Frank and serve the people in Belmont County with him when I was on the Seventh and the Supreme Court. He and his wife were such dedicated public servants, one of the finest judges in the Seventh District,” she said. “I’m just honored to be here.”

Seventh District Court of Appeals Judges David D’Apolito and Carol Ann Robb also visited and commended the Fregiatos.

“These are just people that are wonderful. They’re true Americans. They’re hardworking, they have a great character and the heart of a servant, and I wish them both well in their retirement,” Robb said.

David Jones, president of the Belmont County Republican Party, also attended.

“He’s an outstanding judge and we’re going to miss him. There’ll never be another judge like him. We’re going to miss him and his wife, too,” Jone said. “He’s a great guy, and we appreciate everything he’s done as a judge.”

Framed commendations from the office of Gov. Mike DeWine and the Ohio Senate were on display during the event.