Douglas Charles Borchard Jr.

Douglas Charles Borchard, Jr. ("Doug"), age 89, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2024, in Naples, FL, surrounded by his loving family. Born on September 18, 1935, in Neptune, NJ, Doug lived a full and vibrant life marked by professional achievements, athletic pursuits, and a steadfast commitment to his family and community.

Doug is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Marlene, his three sons: Douglas III (Barbara Talcott) of Cambridge, MA; Michael (Karin) of Newport Beach, CA; and Brian (Tammi) of Wayne, NJ, and nine grandchildren and one great granddaughter. He is also survived by his sisters, Barbara Wostbrock of Seminole, FL, and Diane Heim of Ellicott City, MD. He was predeceased by his parents, Douglas C. Borchard, Sr. and Gladys Borchard, and his sister, Patricia Davis.

Doug graduated from Pompton Lakes High School in Pompton Lakes, NJ, and earned a BA from Catholic University in 1957, where he was a member of the diving team and the Phi Kappa fraternity. He earned his law degree from Rutgers University Law School in 1960. After graduating, Doug served as an attorney in the U.S. Air Force, stationed in Fort Walton Beach, FL, for three years.

In 1964, Doug and Marlene moved to Wayne, NJ, where he joined the law firm of Evans, Hand, Allabough, and Amoresano. Doug became a Partner in 1972, specializing in Real Estate and Municipal Law, and dedicated more than 30 years to the firm. He also served as Counsel for the Borough of Hawthorne, NJ, for over 25 years, arguing multiple cases before the New Jersey State Supreme Court. His leadership extended to roles such as President of the Passaic County Legal Aid Society and Passaic County Bar Association, as well as Chairman of the Passaic County Ethics Committee.

Doug was a man of many passions. An avid runner, he completed his first marathon -- the New York City Marathon -- in 1981 and ran nine more marathons throughout his life. He was an enthusiastic skier, spending countless weekends and vacations with family and friends on the slopes of Vermont and the western United States. Doug also loved golf, achieving the elusive hole-in-one during his retirement in Naples, FL. As an amateur photographer, he maintained a darkroom at home and took pride in developing his own pictures. He was also a lifelong fan of jazz music, enjoying artists like Al Hirt and Herb Alpert.

Doug’s commitment to community ran deep. He coached Little League baseball for all three of his sons, served as President of the Paterson Education Fund, and was active in local politics. He was known for his strong sense of justice and fairness, his intellect (he was a card carrying Mensa member), quick wit and wry humor, and his iconoclastic spirit—reflected, at one point, in his signature handlebar mustache.

Above all, Doug was a devoted husband, father, and friend who left an indelible mark on all who knew him. He instilled in his sons the values of perseverance, fairness, and adventure, and his legacy will live on in the many lives he touched.

A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held on January 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Vanderbilt Country Club in Naples, FL.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Doug’s memory to the Paterson Education Fund, Paterson, NJ.

Doug’s family and friends will forever cherish his memory and the example he set as a man of integrity, warmth, and zest for life.