Justice George J. Beldock was born in 1903 in Poland, where he lived until the age of two when he moved to the United States. He grew up in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn and became active in politics at a young age. Beldock received his law degree from Brooklyn Law School, graduating with honors. He was admitted to the Bar on July 9, 1925 and began practicing with the law firm Beldock & Meadow. He also helped to prosecute commercial fraud and bankruptcy cases as general counsel for trade groups and served on the State Mediation Board.
In 1945 Beldock was appointed District Attorney of Kings County by Gov. Thomas E. Dewey; however, he lost his bid for a full term. He was elected to the State Supreme Court in 1947. On January 1, 1953, he was designated to the Appellate Division, Second Department by Gov. Thomas E. Dewey. He was named presiding Justice of the Second Department by Gov. Rockefeller. He retired in 1970 after a total of 23 years on the bench.
Beldock worked to prevent juvenile delinquency and was enormously involved in professional and civic organizations. He was a member of the Sixth Assembly District Republican Club and served as its president for a decade, was a member of the county Republican executive committee, and helped to establish Brotherhood-In-Action, Inc. From 1943 to 1945, he was a member of the city’s Council Against Discrimination.
Justice Beldock married Irene Goldstein and had two sons, Myron and Paul, and five grandchildren. He died of a heart attack at his home on Sea Cliff, Long Island on March 15, 1970 at the age of 66.
Sources
“George J. Beldock.” Biographical information sheets. Appellate Division, Second Department Library, Brooklyn.
“Justice George J. Beldock Dies; Appellate Department Chief, 66.” New York Times (1923- Current file): 43. ProQuest Historical Newspapers: The New York Times (1851-2007). Mar 16 1970. Web. 24 Aug. 2011 http://search.proquest.com/docview/119058171?accountid=8012.