Arthur J. Doran, Jr., the longtime former Chief Judge of the Yonkers City Court and friend to everyone, passed away peacefully on the evening of November 12, 2021. The Judge was born in Yonkers on May 23, 1941 to Arthur J. Doran, Sr. and Katherine Doran and grew up on Palisade Avenue with his two brothers and 5 sisters. He attended St. Mary’s grade school, Manhattan Prep and Manhattan College. Mike met the love of his life, Carol Watson at the age of 14.
They were married in 1961 and began raising their family in Yonkers, spent a few years living in Ossining before moving back to their beloved Yonkers. The Judge attended Law School at night and earned his Law Degree at New York Law School. He began working for the City of Yonkers as an investigator in the Yonkers Corporation Counsel’s Office, later worked as an attorney in that office and ultimately became the Corporation Counsel for the City of Yonkers.
He was appointed to the position of Yonkers City Manager in 1986 but found his true calling when he ran for judge in 1987, was successfully elected to that office and would forever be known as “The Judge”. He enjoyed a long tenure as the Chief Judge before he retired from the bench in 2007.
Among his proudest achievements is the founding of the Yonkers Drug Court. He was an active member of many organizations and was proud to have served on many, many Boards. He is the only person in history to hold the title of Grand Marshall at both of the Yonkers St. Patrick’s Day Parades, one on South Broadway and the other on McLean Avenue. He is most remembered for his wisdom, patience, kindness and generous spirit.
He had the gift of becoming an instant friend to everyone he met and was truly a friend to all. The Judge is survived by his wife Carol, his 5 children, Arthur (Karen), Kathleen Tokarz (Larry), Amy Dall (Kerry), Peter (Ailish) and Elizabeth Keromytis (Angelos). He is also survived by the next generation of Dorans, his beloved grandchildren Ashley (Kyle), Christopher, Holly, Megan, PJ, Molly, Brendan, Tara, Maggie, Penelope and Julia. He is also survived by his sister Mary Richards, and is predeceased by his siblings, Kayette, Ann, Sally, Jimmy, Danny and Marcy.
The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the staff at Cabrini Nursing Home and to St. John’s Hospital for the care and compassion shown to Mike. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Aisling Irish Community and Cultural Center located at 990 McLean Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10704.
A visitation for Arthur will be held Wednesday, November 17, 2021 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Whalen & Ball Funeral Home, 168 Park Ave, Yonkers, NY 10703. A mass of christian burial will occur Thursday, November 18, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Church, 103 So. Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10703. A final disposition is private. will occur.
