NORMAN A MORDUE
Honorable Norman A. Mordue was a distinguished legal figure whose remarkable career spans decades of exemplary service to the legal profession and the community.
Judge Mordue is widely recognized as a legal luminary who left an indelible mark on the legal profession, his community, and the State of New York.
His illustrious career spanned from his time as a highly successful prosecutor and distinguished service as a County and State Supreme Court Judge to his eventual role as Chief Judge for the Northern District of New York.
From his heroic service in Vietnam his life was a testament to resilience, determination, excellence and the pursuit of justice.
First Lieutenant Norman A Mordue, a member of the U.S. Army’s “C” Company, 1st Battalion, 12th Calvary, 1st Air Cavalry Division displayed extraordinary heroism in Vietnam.
He led his platoon in a fierce attack to rescue another pinned-down platoon from heavy enemy fire, despite severe injuries. He destroyed two bunkers, eliminated five hostile soldiers, and guided his men to safety amidst deadly artillery strikes.
Honoring a Legacy of Excellence in Law and Service
For his heroic actions he was awarded the Army’s Distinguished Service Cross, our country’s second highest award for outstanding bravery and self-sacrifice in combat with an enemy.
After his military service, he dedicated himself to the field of law, serving as a prosecutor and later as a state and federal judge for nearly four decades. Throughout his esteemed career, he has earned the respect and admiration of his peers, colleagues and the wider public. He served as a mentor and an example to hundreds as to how to pursue both a Distinguished career as an outstanding Jurist and how to live a life of kindness, concern and respect for his fellow man and leaving a legacy of accomplishment and excellence.
WHAT FRIENDS AND FAMILY SAY ABOUT JUDGE MORDUE
Judge Mordue was a man of many talents. He was sharp, kind, humble, wise, and good humored. But one of the things I admire him most for is his faithfulness to his community, country, and family. During my first assignment for the Judge, I asked him how he wanted to rule. He chuckled and said,…
Norm was a Judges’ Judge, a lawyers’ lawyer, a man’s man and a person of great substance which will not soon be forgotten.
My deepest sympathy for your loss. Judge Mordue was a great man and will be missed by all that knew him! God Bless you and your family through this difficult time.
I don’t remember when I first met Judge Mordue but I got to know him best when I came to work at the federal building as a Court Security Officer. From the beginning the Judge made me feel like we were old friends. I came to find out he knew my dad when the Judge…
My sympathies to all who mourn and many thanks to Judge Mordue for his service.
He was an incredible man, a great Judge, and a true American hero. We will miss him.
I was honored to have had the opportunity to work several homicide trials with Norm while NYST. He worked around the clock on cases until a verdict. He was devoted to his job and such a great man I learned so much from. Thank you, Norm, for being my friend. We love you and your…
Anyone who knew him would have a hard time summing up the man, the mind, the force of life that was Judge Norman A. Mordue. He literally lived multiple lives in different times and places. Judge Mordue is the kind of person they make movies about. He had an uncommon ability to instantaneously assess people…
Norm was, throughout his life, and at all times, ready and anxious to serve others. It was my honor to serve with him for over two decades and both the bench and bar here in Albany held him the highest regard. His legacy will have a lasting impact on the law of our Northern District!
Norm was a good friend and a wonderful colleague. We spent many hours discussing the problems of the world in our chambers on the 12 floor of the Syracuse Courthouse… and many hours together making the game of golf look a lot harder than it could possibly be. I will miss that. Norm was always…
POINTS OF INTEREST
Articles from Judge Mordue’s Career
ExPats: Senior U.S. District Judge Norman A. Mordue, In Memoriam
We honor the remarkable life of Senior U.S. District Judge Norman A. Mordue, an esteemed figure in the Elmira and Syracuse University communities. From his stellar football career to his courageous service in Vietnam, he exemplified resilience, leadership, and dedication to justice. Judge Mordue’s legacy lives on through The Norman A. Mordue Memorial and Scholarship Fund, aiming to establish local scholarships and a lasting memorial.
Norman A. Mordue, a decorated Vietnam veteran, gridiron star, and revered federal judge, leaves behind a profound legacy. His unwavering dedication to justice and heroism in Vietnam earned him the Distinguished Service Cross and other prestigious awards.
To celebrate his extraordinary life achievements, The Norman A. Mordue Memorial and Scholarship Fund has been established. Contributions will support local scholarships and create a lasting memorial in honor of this exceptional man.
Witness the chilling story of serial killer Robert Garrow as it unfolds on the big screen at the Landmark Theater on March 15. Prosecutor Norman Mordue, now a senior U.S. District Judge, reflects on his horrifying encounters with Garrow during the trial. The independent film “Garrow” delves into the shocking events that paralyzed Upstate New York and sheds light on the terrifying legacy of this infamous killer.
Lawyers involved in a 1970s murder trial will discuss it at Syracuse University’s College of Law. Defense attorney Frank H. Armani and prosecutor Norman H. Mordue faced off in the trial of Robert Garrow Sr. Garrow was found guilty of murder, and the case sparked controversy when Garrow revealed the location of two other victims’ bodies to his attorneys, leading to public outcry and investigations. Join the discussion to learn more about this intriguing legal history.
A lawyer’s ethical dilemma: should he reveal where the bodies are buried? Frank H. Armani, a legal role model, defended accused murderer Robert Garrow in 1973. While representing Garrow, Armani learned of additional victims’ locations, torn between protecting their families and his attorney-client obligation. Judge Norman A. Mordue led the prosecution against Garrow, resulting in his murder conviction.