Michael S. London, 76, Retired Federal Judge

Michael Stephen London, a former United States administrative law judge in Brooklyn who was 76, died on Dec. 18. Mr. London, who lived in both Manhasset and East Hampton, had been recuperating from ankle surgery and his death was unexpected, his wife, Jane London, said.

Born in the Bronx on Nov. 19, 1941, to Samuel and Edna London, he grew up in that borough until moving with his family to Albany, where he graduated from Albany High School. He then enrolled at Brandeis University, from which he received a Bachelor of Arts degree and where he starred as captain of the tennis team, coached by Bud Collins, a member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Mr. London obtained his law degree from St. John’s University and practiced law for the National Labor Relations Board before receiving a lifetime appointment as a federal administrative law judge. Such appointments are the only ones in the country that are merit-based, and his wife said his appointment was the result of passing a four-hour written exam and a rigorous oral one before a panel of sitting administrative law judges with flying colors. He retired from the bench about 15 years ago.

Mr. London and his wife met on Main Beach in East Hampton in the late 1960s and were married in the mid-1970s. They lived in several places in East Hampton before building their own house on Wagon Lane. 

In addition to tennis, Mr. London developed a passion for golf and took to the links at the Noyac Golf Club as well as the Old Westbury Country Club. He also enjoyed swimming and general exercise. 

His wife said he truly adored his dogs and always had two, usually a golden retriever and one of a smaller breed, with which he would take long walks or run on the beach. 

Besides his wife, he is survived by a sister, whose full name was not immediately available, a son, Marc Wolin, who lives in Europe, a daughter, Allison Luckman of Roslyn, and three grandchildren. 

A service was held at Gutterman’s Funeral Home in Woodbury on Dec. 20, with burial following in Beth Moses Cemetery in West Babylon.

Donations in Mr. London’s memory have been suggested to the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons, P.O. Box 901, Wainscott 11975.