Printer Friendly Version - Tiernan Sworn In as Judge of Probate for 35th District

Begins First Term in Branford-North Branford 35th District Probate Court

On January 3, Judge Frank Forgione (left) administered the oath of office to Charles E. Tiernan III (center) as the new Judge of Probate for the 35th District of Branford-North Branford; witnessed by Tiernan’s wife, Marie, and Monsignor David Walker. Pam Johnson/The Sound

Judge Tiernan (left) is congratulated by his brother, Shawn Tiernan and applauded by Monsignor David Walker, Marie Tiernan and Judge Frank Forgione together with those in a standing-room only crowd which filled the Blackstone Library auditorium. Pam Johnson/The Sound

Following the close of ceremonies on Jan. 3, Honorable Charles E. Tiernan III shakes hands with Honorable Frank Forgione, as Tiernan begins first term as 35th District Judge of Probate serving Branford and North Branford; replacing Forgione, who has retired after serving 32 years as probate judge. Pam Johnson/The Sound

With a celebratory, standing-room only ceremony on Tuesday, Jan. 3, Charles E. Tiernan III was sworn in to begin his first term as 35th District Judge of Probate serving Branford and North Branford.

Tiernan was elected to the post in the November 8, 2022 election. On Jan. 3, Tiernan took the oath of office delivered by Judge Frank Forgione, who has now retired from the post.

In April, 2022, Forgione announced he would retire as of January 2023 from his 32-year career as probate judge. Prior to state re-districting making Branford and North Branford one probate court district as of January 2011, Forgione served as North Branford probate judge from 1990 to 2010.

Tiernan, a Branford resident and attorney at Lynch, Traub, Keefe, & Errante (New Haven) of nearly 40 years, thanked Forgione for his mentorship. Tiernan said he looked forward to “...looking out for the Branford and North Branford community in my new role.”

Tiernan said growing up in Branford has provided him with insight to the communities he will serve. Lessons learned during his upbringing, including those from nuns as a St. Mary’s School student and sermons of Monsignor David Walker, will help to inform his compassionate work as probate judge, he added.

“In the arc of this new role, where so much requires tending to the needs of the vulnerable, I will be drawing from all those lessons I learned,” said Tiernan.

“It’s been a remarkable journey these past eight months since Judge Forgione announced he was not seeking another term as our probate judge,” said Tiernan.

To laughter from the crowd, Tiernan noted that “...running for office is not something I had a lot of experience with, unless you count my time as a constable.”

Tiernan expressed his sincere thanks to those who assisted him and supported his campaign.

“What was heartening was all the support I received from so many people,” he said.

Tiernan thanked his wife, Marie; son Jack, and his parents and siblings; together many with friends, his law firm colleagues, his four “kitchen cabinet” campaign members and other campaign principals, local leaders and state elected officials, as well as many other supporters.

With Marie by his side, Tiernan was sworn in during an 11:30 a.m. ceremony held in the James Blackstone Memorial Library auditorium. Tiernan’s brother, attorney Shawn Tiernan, served as master of ceremonies. Monsignor Walker gave the benediction.

Describing Forgione as one who “doesn’t get thanked enough” for his dedication in providing compassionate and skilled support to the vulnerable, Tiernan led the crowd in a lengthy round of applause to thank Forgione for his years of service.

“These shoes are big ones to fill. Judge Forgione’s court is one that has always had an open door; and one where people’s concerns have been met with compassion and care. Whether it has been the appointment of guardians and conservators for people no longer capable of making their own decisions, protecting people with intellectual [or] psychiatric disabilities, or his ground-breaking work in child protection, he’s always been there for the vulnerable people in our community,” said Tiernan. “This is a noble legacy, and one I hope to continue as best I can in the months and years ahead. Thank you for all of your support as I embark on this mission.”

The Branford-North Branford Judge of Probate offices are located in the ground floor level of Branford Town Hall, 1019 Main St.