U.S. Bankruptcy Court judge retires after 44 years

August 7, 2012

Rhode Island: U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Arthur Votolato, the first bankruptcy judge in Rhode Island, has retired after 44 years on the court. By the time of his retirement on July 31, he had been the only judge to have ever served on this court. He was appointed in 1978. This also makes him the longest-serving bankruptcy judge in the country. Over 100 people showed up at the courthouse to celebrate his retirement. He mentioned some health concerns, as well as a desire to spend more time with family, as reasons for his decision. Diane Finkle has been appointed as his successor.