Rick De Furia, a respected, beloved figure in Sarasota during a multi-faceted career that spanned the judiciary, journalism, and acting on stage and television, died Monday after a long illness. He was 75.

His intellect, kind nature, communication skills and sense of humor earned him widespread admiration during his time on the bench, first as a Sarasota County judge, and later as a judge in the 12th Judicial Circuit.

When he retired from the judiciary in 2013, colleagues praised his fairness, patience, empathy and ability to explain his rulings to litigants. He consistently was rated among the top judges in the circuit.

Born in Newark, NJ, De Furia graduated from Ithaca College in New York, and earned a law degree from Stetson Law School. During law school, he served in the U.S. Army Reserves, and for a time was an in-flight representative on the Faberge company’s corporate jet. In that role, he enjoyed private flights with such celebrated figures as Princess Grace of Monaco and actor Cary Grant.

After graduation from law school, De Furia served in the state attorney’s office and went into private practice in the area of civil litigation. In 1980, he ran successfully for Sarasota County judge.

He was perhaps most proud of a ruling requiring those convicted of DUI to put bumper stickers on their cars that read: “Convicted DUI—Restricted License.” The Second District Court of Appeals affirmed his decision, ruling the bumper stickers served a rehabilitative purpose by reminding offenders their conduct was “legally and socially wrong.”

After six years on the bench, De Furia surprised his colleagues by stepping down to pursue an acting career. He said at the time that acting was a longtime dream of his, and felt it would have been “a tragedy” not to explore his passion.

He was accepted into the prestigious FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training, where he earned his Masters of Fine Arts in 1988. He performed in such conservatory shows as “Biloxi Blues” and “As You Like It,” and was featured in an Asolo Main Stage production of ‘The Heiress.”

He went on to perform in dozens of industrial films, commercials and soap operas, and also served as a legal analyst on cable’s Court TV.

In 1995, he was named afternoon and evening anchor on the fledgling SNN, a 24-hour news channel then operated by the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. His reputation and gravitas helped give the station immediate credibility in those early days.

In 2002, De Furia returned to the bench as a circuit judge, after running unopposed for an open seat. He said he believed the greatest part of being a judge was making a difference in someone’s life, particularly in Juvenile Court and Drug Court. He also enjoyed mentoring young attorneys, and volunteered his time on numerous non-profit boards.

De Furia is survived by his life partner of 33 years, Garry Jackson, with whom he traveled to some of the world’s most exotic locations. Survivors also include sister Judy Aarnes and husband Rick Aarnes, of Parrish, FL, and sister Sandy Bargiel and her husband, Gary Bargiel, of Surf City, NJ, as well as six nieces and nephews and six grand-nieces and nephews.