Robert J. Sussman, 95, a longtime Verona resident, respected New Jersey attorney, and dedicated public servant whose career spanned decades of service to his clients and community, passed away on October 19, 2026.
A prominent figure in Essex County’s legal and civic communities, Robert built a distinguished career in private practice while serving in numerous positions of public trust. He was known for his commitment to the law, his dedication to public service, and his deep ties to the community he called home.
Robert graduated from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania in 1953 with a degree in economics and earned his law degree from Rutgers Law School in Newark in 1956. Following his service in the United States Army from 1957 to 1959 — a time he always looked back on as one of the most rewarding experiences of his life — he went on to build a long and accomplished legal career.
As an attorney with the Bloomfield firm of Sussman & Altwarg, Robert maintained a broad legal practice encompassing business law, real estate, litigation, and municipal matters. He served as an arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association and as President of the Bloomfield Lawyers Association.
His commitment to public service was particularly evident in Verona, where he lived for more than five decades. He served on the Verona Township Council from 1974 to 1977, including as Council President from 1976 to 1977. He subsequently served as Verona Township Attorney from 1977 to 1983 and as counsel to the township’s Board of Adjustment. He also served as Deputy Counsel to the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders.
Beyond his legal practice and municipal leadership, Robert was an active participant in community life. He served as President of the Bloomfield Lions Club and developed and taught a Law for the Layman course, sharing his knowledge of the legal system with members of the community.
While his professional achievements were considerable, Robert’s greatest pride and most enduring legacy was his family. He was a devoted husband to his late wife, Judith Ann Sussman, a loving father to his two sons, and a proud grandfather to his five grandchildren, Spencer, Zachary, Bode, Max, and Eva, and a cherished brother to his sister, Renee Dolgoff. His sharp intellect, wonderful sense of humor, loyalty to the New York Giants and Mets, and deep love for his family will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Robert is survived by his two sons, Samuel Sussman and his wife Felice, Adam Sussman and his wife Kellie, and his sister Renee Dolgoff.
The funeral will be taking place on Thursday, October 22nd at 1:00 pm at the Bernheim Apter Kreitzman Funeral Chapel in Livingston, NJ.
