JUDGE MARTIN GAUGHAN

WHEELING — The late Judge Martin Gaughan is being remembered as a great man and a fair judge by those who knew and worked with him.

Gaughan, 82, of Weirton died May 23 with his family beside him.

Gaughan was a lawyer for 20 years before he was appointed judge of the First Judicial Circuit in 1995 by Gov. Gaston Caperton. He worked as a judge for 20 years before retiring, presiding over cases in Ohio, Brooke and Hancock counties.

Retired attorney Robert Gaudio, a former public defender, has fond memories of Gaughan during his working years.

“I appeared before him in many hearings, a myriad of hearings and trials, and I found him to be, aside from being a wonderful human being and a nice man, a fair judge,” Gaudio said. “He was also someone who could take off the robe and be a human after a trial. That’s a talent that some don’t have.”

Gaudio said he admired Gaughan because he “got to understand justice through his rulings.”

“It’s not an easy job to be a judge. You have to give up all your attorney friends. You can’t be seen hanging out with them.”

Gaudio said there were times in the past when they would meet up to talk.

“I recall having a round of drinks on St. Patrick’s Day over the years,” he said. “I sincerely loved the guy even though he kicked my butt in court sometimes.”

Ohio County Prosecutor Shawn Turak said she met Gaughan while trying civil cases.

“I had the pleasure of trying a case before him. He was fair and kind to all the litigants involved,” she said. “He was the consummate gentleman on the bench.”

Turak noted Gaughan then started presiding over more cases in Brooke and Hancock counties.

“In my experience he was very fair and bright and possessed the ability to have calm control of the courtroom,” she said. “He treated everyone with the utmost respect.”

Turak said she wishes his family and loved ones the best during their time of grief.

“I’m sure it’s a devastating loss for them. He was a bright star in our legal community. We were lucky to have him as long as we did,” she said.

In his obituary, Gaughan is described as being “recognized as a trailblazer within the West Virginia judicial system.”

“He played a significant role in developing the Community Corrections Act of 2001 and implemented West Virginia’s first Mental Health Court, Adult Drug Court and the specialized Re-Entry Court,” according to his obituary. “He was also actively involved in the formation of the Child Protection Act of 2006. In addition, he was instrumental in obtaining funding for Day Reports Centers in the Northern Panhandle and throughout the state.

“He earned the respect of colleagues, attorneys and those who entered his courtroom for his thoughtful administration of justice and his sincere concern for the lives affected by the legal system.”

Gaughan was born in Pittsburgh, a son of Robert and Catherine Gaughan. He received his bachelor’s degree from West Liberty State College and master’s and law degrees from Duquesne University.

“Though his accomplishments were many, his greatest pride was his family,” his obituary noted.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Ginny; son Kevin; daughters Amy and Beth; brother Robert Gaughan; and sisters Susan and Patricia, along with grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

His funeral was scheduled to be held at noon May 29 at St. Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church, 229 California Ave., Weirton. He was to be entombed at St. Paul’s Cemetery in Weirton.