Former Bergen Superior Court Judge, Hillsdale's Patrick Roma Dies

HILLSDALE, NJ — Patrick James Roma, a retired Bergen County Superior Court judge and former state assemblyman, died Nov. 26 of a massive stroke, his obituary states.

Roma, 68, lived in Naples, Florida. He previously lived in Hillsdale and Palisades Park. He was a graduate of Seton Hall University with a law degree. He received his master's degree in law from New York University School of Law.

He was a partner with Friedman, Pearlman & Roma. He served as prosecutor of the boroughs of Palisades park, Fairview, Little Ferry, Saddle Brook, Haworth and Leonia.

Outside of his law career, he was elected council president and police commissioner for Palisades Park. He also represented New Jersey's 38th Legislative District from 1988 to 1997. He served as assistant minority whip and assistant minority leader.

He was appointed to the Superior Court of New Jersey in 1997 and reappointed with tenure in 2003. He served on the bench of the Criminal Division of the Bergen Vicinage until he retired in 2014.

He was named legislator of the year by Local 518, the Motor Vehicle Employees Union in 1993 and by Shelter Our Sisters and the Italian American Police Society in 1994.

In addition to his devotion to the law, he had a passion for fishing, guns and traveling. He was an avid fisherman, sportsman and supporter of the Second Amendment.

He was predeceased by his previous wife Mary Ann Roma (nee Caporale), brother Anthony Scozzafava and brothers-in-law Bob Van Nosdall and Bob Sylvester.

He is survived by his wife Patrice Malleus Roma (nee Garnich); step-daughter Lisa Malleus and her husband Harold Boxill); sister Marie Van Nosdall, sister-in-laws Claire Scozzafava, Carol Sylvester and Marie Mennonna; brother-in-laws Peter Garnich and Gregory Garnich; mother-in-law Madeleine Garnich and an extended family of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, godchildren and cousins and devoted friends.

Visitation with the family is Dec. 11 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Volk Leber Funeral Home, 268 Kinderkamack Road. A memorial Mass is Dec. 12 at St. Peter The Apostle R.C. Church, 445 Fifth Ave., River Edge. Cremation will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude's Research Foundation, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105.

Email [email protected]. Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.

Image via Shutterstock