41st JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COURT

906-774-2266

The Circuit Court Judge Richard J. Celello serves his constituents as Circuit Court Judge in the counties of Dickinson, Menominee and Iron.  He primarily handles all civil cases involving damages in excess of $25,000: felony criminal cases and domestic relations matters that do not involve minor children.
 

HON. RICHARD CELELLO

     Judge Celello is a native of Iron Mountain.  He graduated from Michigan State University in 1970 and from Marquette University Law School in 1974.

     Judge Celello started his judicial career in 1978 when he was appointed to the 95-B District Court (serving Dickinson and Iron Counties) by Governor William Milliken.  After his appointment Judge Celello ran for and was elected by the People of Dickinson/Iron Counties for a full six year term.  Judge Celello resigned from the District Court Judgeship in 1983 to start his own law firm.  The firm gradually grew to one of the larges in the Upper Peninsula.  Judge Celello's law practice included civil trial litigation and he was the corporate counsel and trial lawyer for Dickinson County Hospitals.

     Judge Celello was appointed to the 41st Circuit Court bench by Governor John Engler to fill the remaining term of Judge John D. Payant who retired.  The appointment was effective October 1, 2000.  Judge Celello ran unopposed and was elected to a full six year term in November of 2002.

     Judge Celello served as Iron Mountain City Attorney, Dickinson County Prosecuting Attorney.  He was appointed to Northern Michigan Board of Trustees by Governor James Blanchard and was elected Trustee Ameritis by his fellow trustees after his eight year term of service ended in 1998.

     Judge Celello and his wife Kristi have two daughters, Erin and Lindsey.