The Poughkeepsie community is mourning the loss of retired Dutchess County Court Judge Gerald Hayes, who died Saturday at the age of 82 after a three-year battle with leukemia.

Born in Yonkers, Hayes began his legal career as an assistant district attorney in both Manhattan and Dutchess County. In 1980, he was appointed to the Dutchess County Court as a judge and later won election to serve one 10-year term.

State Sen. Rob Rolison expressed his condolences, stating, "His legacy of public service and scholarly yet pragmatic treatment of our state's pressing concerns will remain the standard."

A wake is scheduled for Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the William G. Miller and Son Funeral Home in Poughkeepsie. His funeral will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday at St. Martin de Porres Church.