Peter S. Pearlman

Peter was born June 11, 1946, to the late Tiela and Jack Pearlman and is predeceased by his sister, Patricia. He lived most of his adult life in Short Hills, NJ.

He earned a BA from the University of Illinois in 1967 and a JD from Seton Hall Law School in 1970. Peter was a partner at Cohn Lifland Pearlman Herrmann Knopf, where he worked for his entire career, including as the firm’s Managing Partner. Highly regarded for his oratory and utmost professionalism, Peter’s cases were the subject of over 60 published opinions and helped establish many important legal precedents. In 1985, he successfully argued a case before the U.S. Supreme Court and in 2022 was recognized by the New Jersey Law Journal with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Even in light of his professional success, Peter will be best remembered for his love and sacrifice for his family. He cared deeply and selflessly for the love of his life, his wife Joan, to whom he was married for 56 years; his children Heather (Joe), Chris (Laura), and Megan; and his grandchildren, Padraig and Malachy. All those who knew Peter loved him for his intelligence, generosity, and wit. He enjoyed going on cruises with his family, playing with his dogs, doing crossword puzzles, and had a never-ending thirst for knowledge.

He will be remembered as an exemplary husband and father and as a kind and steadfast gentleman.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Peter’s memory can be made to the Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter, NJ Boxer Rescue, or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

The family will be receiving guests for Peter on Sunday, October 12, 2025 from 10:15 AM to 10:45 AM at Bernheim-Apter-Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel, 68 Old Short Hills Road, Livingston, NJ 07039. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 AM followed by the burial at B'nai Abraham Memorial Park, 2600 US-22 STE E, Union, NJ 07083.

Shiva will be held at the Pearlman residence, 6 Metzger Drive in West Orange, from 2 pm to 5 pm.