Attorney Francis D. Privitera; Former Middlesex County District Attorney Gerry Leone; Malden Court Presiding Justice Lee Johnson; 2012-2014 Middlesex County Bar President Philip J. Privitera; Middlesex County Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian.

By The Somerville Times Staff

On November 6 2014, Somerville Attorney Philip J. Privitera was honored by the Middlesex County Bar Association in appreciation of two terms of service as President of the Bar Association (2012-2014). The 114th Annual Bar Association Banquet was held at Montvale Plaza in Stoneham. That evening, the Bar Association also honored State Senator Michael Barrett and Former Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone.

During his term, Privitera honored U.S. Congressman and Somerville native Michael Capuano; U.S. Secret Service Agent in Charge of New England during the Marathon Bombing investigation, Steven Ricciardi; 40 Year Decorated E. Providence Police Lieutenant and actor (The Departed and American Hustle) Armen Garo; the Consul General of Italy Giuseppe Pastorelli; Former Attorney General Martha Coakley; Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan; Watertown Police Chief during the Marathon Bomber standoff, Chief Edward Deveau, and many others.

Left to Right: State Senator Sal DiDomenico; State Senator Michael Barrett; Clerk of Courts Michael Sullivan; Middlesex County Bar Association 2012-2014 Philip J. Privitera.

Humbled by his own honor, Privitera commented during his acceptance that he only wished his mother could have lived to share the accomplishment. Privitera’s mother, Jennie “Jean” Privitera, once commissioned the mural of George Washington raising an American flag that adorns Barristers Hall in Union Square, where Privitera keeps his office.

Commissioning the mural was her selfless effort to beautify Union Square for the Community, in an era when the Square was arguably in neglect, and today’s current focus on revitalizing urban squares was either minimal or simply non-existent. Privitera heralds those who always believed in the beauty and full potential of Union Square. While he dreams of a Union Square that will someday attract people from far and wide to visit and enjoy, he hopes, however, that Union Square will always remain a community created “by” local citizens and “for” the local citizens.

After being honored, the Privitera Family share the moment. Pictured Left to Right: Payton Privitera; Toni-Ann Privitera; Philip J. Privitera; Presley Privitera

Middlesex County Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian (Left) poses with friend Wor. Philip J. Privitera (Right) after Privitera was presented with the award for two terms as Middlesex County Bar Association President 2012-2014.