A toast and roast to celebrate the retirement of the Monroe County District Judge Jack Vitale took place Thursday afternoon. The reception in the county Board of Commissioners Chambers in the Monroe County Courthouse included light refreshments and a special retirement tribute, a framed document highlighting the judge’s extensive career.

Vitale’s 24-year-career included several terms as chief judge of the First District Court. Growing up in Hamilton, Ohio, Vitale was inspired by his parents to pursue a career in law. They were Italian immigrants and it was from their determination to become naturalized citizens that Vitale grew to have a strong respect for laws.