Robert Louis Garrenger Jr.

The Garrenger Family is saddened to announce the passing of the Honorable Robert Louis Garrenger, Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, at the age of 87. 

Born in Plainfield, New Jersey on May 8, 1937 to parents Robert L. and Helen N. Garrenger, Bob was known throughout his life for his extraordinary wit and intelligence, his passion for reading and all forms of learning, his love of good food, and his enthusiasm for the New York Mets. Bob was a proud United States Army veteran who volunteered for the draft and served his country with honor as part of the Third Armored Division in Germany. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Bob received his law degree from Duke University. As a well-respected attorney in Middlesex County, he was a partner in the law firm of Garrenger & Rosta in addition to serving as the municipal attorney for Piscataway Township and as an elected councilman. After nomination by the Governor and confirmation by the Senate, Bob served for decades as a Judge of the Superior Court of New Jersey in New Brunswick, authoring opinions and issuing rulings that are still cited today years after his retirement. Bob also served as a member of the New Jersey State Parole Board. He was especially proud of the governmental service by his sons as attorneys in the Attorney General’s office, the Office of the Governor, the Public Defender’s office, and the New Jersey Judiciary. In recent years, Bob enjoyed spending time with friends and family in Hobe Sound, Florida as well as in Barnegat Light, New Jersey.

Bob passed away the evening of November 7, 2024 following a series of health challenges which he faced with great courage and dignity. He is survived by his loving wife Marina Diane Garrenger, his sister-in-law Barbara Bladis, his two devoted sons Robert III and Christopher, his daughters-in-law Lauren and Dana, and his two grandchildren Lucas and Julia.

A memorial service is scheduled for December 14, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 31 N. Union Street, Lambertville, New Jersey 08530.

It was Bob’s wish that charitable donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org, in lieu of flowers or other memorial tributes.