Robert J. Foley

Robert J. Foley
Gentleman Attorney, Law School Assistant Dean, Devoted family man


It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing to eternal life of our Patriarch, Robert J. Foley of Branchburg, N.J. on March 2, 2019 while surrounded by his family in the seventy-eighth year of his life. A celebration of his life will include a memorial visitation on Friday, March 8 from 4 to 8 pm at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, 35 Mountain Avenue, Somerville, N.J. A Mass of Christian Resurrection will be held on Saturday, March 9 at 11am also at the Church of the Immaculate Conception.

Robert (Bob) was born on November 11, 1941 in Jersey City, New Jersey and raised in his childhood home in Hoboken. He was a graduate of St. Michael's High School, Jersey City and Kean University, Union, and the University of Maryland, where he received a Masters Degree in Educational Administration.

Subsequently, he was named Associate Registrar, to be followed by Assistant Dean at Montclair State University. He then became the Registrar at Middlesex County College. Desiring to continue his education, he enrolled at Seton Hall University School of Law, receiving his Juris Doctorate Degree in 1973 and then remaining at the Law School as Assistant Dean.

In 1979 Robert J. Foley launched his legal career with the law firm of Hogan, Folk, Mahon and Simms, Esqs., in Somerville, New Jersey, to be followed in 1982 with the opening of his private law practice in Raritan, New Jersey. Robert practiced law in New Jersey and New York and was a member of the NJ and NY Bar Associations. In the ensuing years, he felt both honored and privileged to serve as Municipal Court Judge in the Townships of Bridgewater and Bedminster and the Boroughs of Peapack-Gladstone, Manville, Raritan and South Bound Brook.

In addition to the Judgeships were appointments to Township Attorney for Branchburg Township and Deputy Township Attorney for Bridgewater Township. Robert also served on the New Jersey Supreme Court District XIII Ethics Committee and as Mediator/Settlement Facilitator, Civil Division, Superior Court of New Jersey, Somerset County.

As a parishioner of the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Somerville for 48 years, he lovingly served as Attorney, Trustee and Usher. Robert also was a long standing member of the Knights of Columbus, Third Degree and for 20 years was a retreatant at Loyola House of Retreats in Morristown, New Jersey.

He was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Saint Patrick's Division I, Somerville, and in the year 2000 he was honored by the County Somerset Saint Patrick Celebration of the Irish.

Robert also served as legal counsel to the Fathers and Friends of Delbarton School and the Parents of Graduates Association, Samaritan Homeless Interim Program (SHIP), Somerville, Interfaith Hospitality Network, Pregnancy Aid and Information Center, Raritan and Volunteers of America.

He is survived by his college sweetheart and wife of 51 years, the former Patrice McEnroe, three adored children whom he deemed extraordinary, Brian Patrick Foley, Esq. and his wife Margaret of Morristown; Deirdre Megan Foley of Cambridge, Massachusetts; and Aileen Reghan Foley, M.D. of Washington, D.C., and his precious granddaughters, Maeve and Maren Foley. Robert considered his adored family to be his greatest joy and proudest accomplishment. He was predeceased by his beloved parents, Richard P. and Lotte Jorgensen Foley and his brother, Richard A. Foley.

Robert's legal acumen, integrity and love of the law guided his professional life. He was a true gentleman and powerful role model committed to his loving family and dedicated to the ethical responsibilities of his legal profession. He will be remembered for being a man guided by his faith, principles and enduring gratitude.

The magnetic personality he harbored, filled with a sense of humor and sage wit, assured many treasured friendships in a life well lived.

Donations in Robert’s memory may be made to the Church of the Immaculate Conception.