Obituary of The Honorable Judge Toni A. Bean

The Honorable Judge Toni A. Bean, lifelong resident of Amityville, LI on March 19, 2022. As a graduate of the Amityville Public Schools, she continued her education at SUNY Brockport majoring in accounting where she received a Bachelor’s degree. In furtherance of her education, she attended Howard University School of Law graduating with a Juris Doctorate in 1985.

The foundation of her legal career began with Walker & Bailey, Esqs. In Harlem. New York. There she engaged in legal practice with her aunt, Cora T. Walker, Esq. The practice encompassed FELA litigation, estate planning and real estate transactions. Subsequently, Toni joined the firm of Waxman & Wincott, P.C. on Long Island where, as senior trial attorney, she litigated personal injury cases ranging from motor vehicle accidents to product liability and labor law actions. In February of 1982 she commenced her own legal practice in Amityville, New York specializing in personal injury litigation, real estate transactions, wills and estates.

In June of 2004, she was appointed to the District Court Suffolk County bench by the County Legislature and elected November of 2004. She sat as Acting County Court Judge in the Domestic Violence part from January 2012 to December 2015 and again from January 2020 to the present. Judge Bean won three elections for her judgeship and planned to run a vigorous re-election campaign as the second most senior District Court Judge.

A community-oriented person since childhood, Toni has been involved in many community based organizations. She was chairperson of the North Amityville Housing and Rehabilitation Association, a Life member of the Central Long Island Branch NAACP and a member of the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary. She is also a former Trustee of the Amityville School Board and former committee person for the Town of Babylon Democratic Committee. Also, she was previously involved with the Advisory Board of the Town of Babylon Ujima Committee, the Town of Babylon Youth Court Advisory Committee and the North Amityville Community Parade and Festival Day.

Recognizing that the youth are our future, Toni participated in many career day programs the Edmund G. Miles Middle School and the Amityville Memorial High School. She also participated in career day programs at the United North Amityville Youth Organization, West Hollow Middle School, Wyandanch Memorial High School, Bay Shore Elementary School, Deer Park High School, Madonna Heights School and Copiague School.

Over the years Toni has earned many recognitions and awards including “Friend of Education Award” by the Amityville Teacher’s Association, “Woman of Distinction Award” by the Holy Trinity Baptist Church Scholarship Committee, “Community Advocate Award” by the North Amityville Economic Council, “Exemplary Community Service in Education” by the North Amityville Taxpayers Association, “Community Appreciation Award for Dedication and Devotion to Youth” by the North Amityville Community Festival Day Committee, “Senate Proclamation for Community Service” from State Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., “Women on the  Move Award” by the Town of Babylon, “Certificate of Merit” from New York State Assemblyman Robert Sweeney, “Amistad Legacy Award” by the Amistad Suffolk County Black Bar Association, “Certificate of Notable Recognition” from former Presiding Officer Maxine Postal and “Certificate of Special Recognition” from Congressman Tim Bishop. Recently she was recognized by the NAACP as the 2019 Gala Honoree, the courts for her presentation of the Black History and Hiapanic Heritage Programs and the recipient of the Honorable Marquette L. Floyd Achievement Award.

She leaves to cherish her memory one son, Matthew Bean; sisters Lisa Bean-Johnson, Jane Bean-Folkes and her husband Laurie A. Folkes; nephews Aaron and his wife Ashley Johnson, Brian Johnson and a host of other family and friends here and in Bermuda.

The family will receive visitors Friday, March 25, 2022 at the Powell Funeral Home, Inc., 67 Broadway (Rt. 110), Amityville, NY from 2-4:30 and 7-9:00 pm. Funeral services will be celebrated Saturday, March 26, 2022 at 10:00 am in the Memorial Presbyterian Church, 189 Babylon Turnpike, Roosevelt, NY. Interment to follow in the Amityville Cemetery. At the request of the family masks are to be worn by all visitors coming Friday to the funeral home regardless of vaccination status. Visitors attending services in Church Saturday must be fully vaccinated and wear masks as per the church attendance requirements

In lieu of flowers-Please provide donations to her 14 year old son, Matthew. Checks may be made payable to "Trust for Matthew Bean" c/o Lisa Bean, PO Box 352, Amityville, NY 11701.