Baskervill said Mr. D’Alton cared deeply about Petersburg and committed himself to serving the city’s courts for much of his career.

“What I will miss the most, however, is his great and freely given smile and his abilities to find humor and remember details that enabled him to tell an engaging story about almost any situation,” Baskervill said. “His passing is not only a personal loss but also a great loss to the city of Petersburg, the legal community and the court system.”

Wilson said Mr. D’Alton was one of the first judges she appeared before as a prosecutor, and he taught her a great deal.

“Even after cases were done, the prosecution and defense would be there after court, and once everything was all over with, he would tell us why he ruled the way he did,” Wilson said. “He would explain, next time you have this type of charge, maybe you should do this. He was always teaching.”

Wilson also said Mr. D’Alton expected attorneys to be prepared when they entered his courtroom and that he was tough but fair.

The judge exhibited “tough love,” she said. “He wasn’t going to be easy on you; he wanted you to do your job.”