July 28, 2016

Statement from Chancellor Gaetan J. Alfano on the Passing of Judge Franklin Van Antwerpen

Gaetan J. Alfano, Chancellor of the 12,000-member Philadelphia Bar Association, today issued the following statement on the passing of Judge Franklin Van Antwerpen, judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit:

"Judge Van Antwerpen presided over many high profile cases during his years on the bench, including that of notorious Philadelphia mobster Nicodemo "Little Nicky" Scarfo whom he sentenced to life in prison for charges that included racketeering, extortion and murder. He was known to be a fair jurist, firm but enthusiastic about his cases. Judge Van Antwerpen listened carefully to those who came before him, gave them the respect they deserved, and took his work very seriously. He cared deeply about his colleagues and mentored many. He will be deeply missed."