Judge Addy

The true genius of a man is often displayed in his sense of humor.

Comedian Bill Cosby is a good example.

So was Dave Addy, the 52-year-old Carbon County Judge who died Thursday following a courageous battle with a year-long illness.

Addy's sense of humor was often self-deprecating. He even poked fun at himself to co-workers about his illness, and his slight build (he weighed only about 120 pounds).

He had battled though his sickness and continued to work up until Dec. 4, striving for justice and fairness just as he had for his all too short career as an assistant District Attorney and less than four years as judge.

His passing hit the county hard yesterday. Those who worked with him grew to respect him. He was an easy man to like. Even seasoned TIMES NEWS reporters who have covered the courthouse beat for years developed a sincere fondness for the man, and a great respect for what he stood for. They took his death very personal as well.

One described him as a man who was known for his compassion, intelligence and sharp wit.

As a testimony to his creativity, he was also an accomplished horticulturalist. His yard was the envy of the neighborhood.

He was the county's 17th judge, winning election in 2005 and being seated on Jan. 4, 2006.

Despite his friendly demeanor, Addy could be tough.

Before becoming an assistant district attorney, he served on drug task forces, often working undercover and infiltrating dangerous elements. There were periodic threats to his life, but he never backed off.

Nothing stirred his blood more than cases that affected the harming of children. As an assistant DA, he went after sex offenders with a passion, striving to make the county safer for young people. He put many such offenders away

He worked closely with the county's Children and Youth Services Agency to improve the lives of children. He worked on the county's Drug Task Force, and his efforts were recognized by the state Office of the Attorney General for his service to drug law enforcement.

But his commitment to young people didn't end when he stepped off the bench. He also served as a leader of the Carbon County Law Explorer's Post and as a Cubmaster in Lehighton.

Carbon County residents have a right today, a right to feel cheated that this intelligent, dedicated public servant got to serve such a short time on the bench. He had so much more to offer, so much yet to accomplish.

But life sometimes isn't fair. He was lost when he still had so much to contribute to the betterment of the communities he served.

Carbon County is a little worse off today. It lost one of its leaders, one of the people who helped mold this county into a better place to live. Our sympathies go out to his wife and children. May they take comfort in knowing that they are not alone in their grief.

Bob Urban

rurban@tnonline.com