The Honorable Martin James Gaughan

Martin James Gaughan of Weirton, devoted husband, father, grandfather, jurist, and faithful servant to his community, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2026, with his family at his side. He was 82 years old.

Born on March 20, 1944, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Martin was one of six children born to the late Robert and Catherine Gaughan. He was raised in an Irish Catholic family with the values of faith, family, hard work, and service; principles that would guide him throughout his life and career.

In 1967, Martin (Marty) married his high school sweetheart, Virginia (Ginny) Zitelli.

Marty graduated from West Liberty State College before earning his master’s and law degrees from Duquesne University. Shortly after completing law school, Marty and Ginny moved their family to Weirton, West Virginia, when he joined the law firm of Bogarad and Robertson. His legal career would eventually lead him to a calling that shaped not only his own life, but also countless others. In 1995, he was appointed by Governor Gaston Caperton to serve on the bench of West Virginia’s First Judicial Circuit, after which he was elected to the position three times.

For more than two decades, Judge Gaughan presided over criminal and civil matters throughout Hancock, Brooke, and Ohio Counties with fairness, integrity, and compassion. He earned the respect of colleagues, attorneys, and those who entered his courtroom for his thoughtful administration of justice and his sincere concern for the lives affected by the legal system.

Judge Gaughan was recognized as a trailblazer within the West Virginia judicial system. He played a significant role in developing the Community Corrections Act of 2001, West Virginia’s first Mental Health Court, Adult Drug Court, and the specialized Re-Entry Court. He was also actively involved in the formation of the Child Protection Act of 2006. In addition, he was instrumental in obtaining funding for Day Reports Centers in the Northern Panhandle and throughout the state.

As a result of Judge Gaughan’s efforts, he was recognized nationally when he received the 2010 Distinguished Service Award from the CEO of the National Association of Drug Court Professionals, making him one of only five Judges nationally to have earned this award. He was honored as a West Virginia Bar Foundation Fellow in 2008. He was a recipient of the “Community Transformation Award” given by the National Association of Drug Court Professionals in 2011.

The “Honorable Martin J. Gaughan Award for Excellence in Community Corrections” was established in 2012 which annually recognizes one outstanding Day Report Center in the state. Governor Earl Ray Tomblin awarded Judge Gaughan the Distinguished West Virginian Award in 2015. He graciously officiated numerous marriages which led to a nickname, “The Marrying Judge,” and also administered oaths to numerous volunteers associated with A Child’s Place, CASA.

Outside the courtroom, Marty cherished time with his grandchildren and traveling with his family. He was an avid reader, and those close to him often shared their favorite books. He enjoyed decades of camaraderie with friends as they gathered to watch Monday Night Football. He was an enthusiast of all Pittsburgh’s sports and enjoyed time spent golfing at Williams Country Club.

His faith remained a central part of his life. Marty was a faithful parishioner of Saint Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church in Weirton where he served on the Finance Committee for decades and was a member of the Holy Name Society. He was also a Third-Degree member of Knights of Columbus Council 3734.

Though his accomplishments were many, Marty’s greatest pride was his family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Kathy Sweeney and Mary Gaughan, and his sister-in-law, Mary Lou Gaughan.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory and legacy, his loving wife of 58 years, Ginny; his son, Kevin and his former wife Rebecca; his twin daughters, Beth and Amy; his grandchildren, Katie, Carter and Evan Gaughan; his brother, Robert E. Gaughan, Jr.; and his sisters, Susan Gaughan and Patricia (Tom) Russell and many nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 pm on Friday, May 29, 2026, at St. Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church, 229 California Ave., Weirton, WV. 26062.
Rev. Fr. Dennis R. Schuelkens, Jr. will preside.

Entombment will follow at Saint Paul’s Cemetery in Weirton.

Memorial contributions may be made to Saint Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church, Weirton Madonna High School, 150 Michael Way, Weirton, WV. 26062 or to A Child’s Place, CASA, 613 Main St, Follansbee, WV 26037.

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