ALBANY The Honorable Anthony Victor Cardona, 70, presiding justice of the Appellate Division, Third Depart ment of the New York State Unified Court System, died Sunday, December 4, 2011 at St. Peter's Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Born in Albany, he was the son of the late Victor and Dora Sgroi Cardona. Tony was a graduate of Christian Brothers Academy '58, Manhattan College '62 and Albany Law School '70. He served in the United States Navy as a naval officer from 1963 - 1967 and completed a tour of duty in Vietnam. He was a private practitioner from 1971-1984 with the law firm of Ainsworth, Sullivan, Tracy and Knauf, Esqs. During that time he also served as a law guardian representing children in Albany County Family Court. Tony held part-time positions as an assistant public defender for Albany County and as Coeymans town attorney. In 1984, Tony was elected to the Albany County Family Court. During 1992-1993, he served as administrative judge of the seven-county Third Judicial District. On September 8, 1993 Tony was appointed to the Appellate Division, Third Judicial Department. He had been the presiding justice of that court since January 1, 1994 and served as a member of the administrative board of the courts until his passing. From 2002-2003 Tony served as president of the Council of Chief Judges of the National Center of State Courts. He also co-chaired the Family Violence Task Force from 1994-2004. He was a member of the board of trustees of Albany Law School. Tony was a member of the New York State Supreme Court Justices Association, the New York State Bar Association, Albany County Bar Association and the Upstate New York Chapter of the National Italian-American Bar Association. He was the beloved husband of Aline C. Stehle Cardona; dear father of Elizabeth Keller (John), Anthony V. Cardona Jr, David Cardona (Kimberly), Brian Cardona (Meghan); loving grandfather of Sam, Nick and Ben, Madeleine, David and Dominick; brother of Jennie Cascio, Victoria Faicco, Victor Cardona and Rita Wilson; survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and colleagues. Tony loved life, he loved people, and he loved spending time doing for others. His grandchildren were the light of his life and being a part of their lives meant everything to him. He was a man of tradition who treasured birthdays, holidays and Sunday dinners. An avid fisherman, a so-so golfer and a Giants fan all required his never-ending positive attitude. Tony touched the lives of so many people and had a tremendous respect for everyone he met. The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff who provided such wonderful care to Tony throughout his illness. Funeral services Friday, December 9, 2011 at 10 a.m. at the Historic Church of St. Mary on Capitol Hill where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Relatives and friends are invited and may call Thursday, December 8, 2011 3 to 7 p.m. at the Parish of Mater Christi (formerly St. Catherine of Siena Church). Interment St. Agnes Cemetery. Those wishing to remember Judge Cardona and his family in a special way may send a contribution to Friends of The Albany County Family Court Children's Center, PO Box 1944, Latham, NY 12110. To leave the family a special message on their guest book, obtain a prayer card or directions, or share an e-card or photo with them, please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com