It is with heavy hearts that we acknowledge the passing of Judge John P. Lavelle. A prominent member of the Carbon County legal community, Lavelle and his wife, Marianne joined with Gross McGinley in 2015 as Of Counsel to the firm. Prior to, he served as President Judge of Carbon County for 23 years, including 15 years when he served as the County’s only judge. While serving on the bench, Lavelle presided over several precedent-setting cases with more than 800 opinions on record. He is also recognized for pushing his jurisdiction to embrace computerized case management.A well-respected community man, Lavelle was a longtime member of the Lehighton Rotary Club, Lehigh Valley Motor Club, and St. Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church.Born and raised in Philadelphia, Lavelle attended Niagara University and received his law degree from Villanova University. Interrupting his law studies, Lavelle was drafted into the U.S. Army and spent two years in Italy and Austria before returning to Villanova and meeting his wife, Marianne. After law school, the Lavelles moved to Carbon County to begin a general law practice with Marianne’s father, George Shutack (becoming Shutack, Lavelle & Lavelle).Our thoughts and condolences remain with the Lavelle family and we grieve the loss of a close friend and colleague. Services will be held in Nesquehoning on Saturday, October 28, 2017. Contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Church or The American Red Cross, c/o the Bruce A. Nalesnik Funeral Home.