The Honorable Patrick J. Roma

Patrick James Roma, retired Bergen County Superior Court Judge and former New Jersey State Assemblyman, of Naples Florida and formerly of Hillsdale, New Jersey died Sunday, November 26, 2017 following a massive stroke. He was 68. He is survived by his loving wife, Patrice Malleus Roma (nee Garnich); step-daughter Lisa Malleus (Harold Boxill); sister Marie Van Nosdall, sister-in-law Claire Scozzafava; sister-in-law Carol Sylvester; sister-in-law Marie Mennonna (Ken); brother-in-law Peter Garnich (Stephanie); brother-in-law Gregory Garnich; mother-in-law Madeleine Garnich; and a devoted extended family of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, godchildren, cousins, and devoted friends He is preceded in death by his previous wife Mary Ann Roma (nee Caporale); his brother Anthony Scozzafava; his brothers-in-law Bob Van Nosdall and Bob Sylvester. Born in New York City, raised in Cliffside Park, NJ, and resided in Palisades Park and Hillsdale, NJ, the son of Frank and Philomena Scozzafava, the Honorable Patrick J. Roma graduated from Seton Hall University, received his law degree from Samford University - Cumberland School of Law, and his masters of law (LLM) degree from New York University School of Law. Well respected in legal and law enforcement circles, and the local community, Judge Roma began his impressive career as an attorney and soon partner at Friedman, Pearlman & Roma. He served as Prosecutor for the Boroughs of Palisades Park, Fairview, Little Ferry, Saddle Brook, Haworth, and Leonia. He was elected as Council President and Police Commissioner for the Borough of Palisades Park. He was elected as New Jersey's District 38 General Assemblyman from 1988-1997 and served as Assistant Minority Whip and Assistant Minority Leader. He was awarded 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; Man of the Year by the Parole Officers Association in 1991, and again by the New Jersey AFL-CIO in 1995. He was appointed to the Superior Court of New Jersey in 1997 and reappointed with tenure in 2003. He served on the bench in the Criminal Division of the Bergen Vicinage until his retirement in 2014. In addition to his devotion to the law, Patrick had a passion for fishing, guns, and travel. Patrick was an avid fisherman, sportsman and supporter of the 2nd amendment. He went fishing in Alaska, Hawaii, Montana, and the Florida Keys. He was always up for a fishing trip keeping his fishing gear in the SUV just in case he passed a good fishing hole. He was a member of The Naples Fishing Club, The Guys Group, The Porsche Club, and The Italian American Society. Patrick’s fondness for travel took him and wife Patrice on wonderful trips abroad and exploring throughout the US. Patrick’s spirit, love, and wisdom touched the lives of many throughout his life. Memorial visitation will be held on Monday, December 11th from 4-8PM at the Volk Leber Funeral Home, 268 Kinderkamack Rd., Oradell, NJ. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, 11AM, at St. Peter the Apostle RC Church, 445 Fifth Ave., River Edge, NJ. Private cremation. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St Jude’s Research Foundation, 501 St Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105. A memorial service will be held in Naples, Florida at a later date.