Bernard Dorfman, Former Judge, Dies at 99

Bernard Dorfman, the former municipal judge of Hillsdale, died Tuesday. He was 99.

Dorfman practiced law for more than 50 years and served as Hillsdale's judge for more than 20 years, according to an obituary posted online. Whe he left the position, he was the oldest judge in the county. Dorfman had also served as a judge in Westwood, Washington Township and Emerson, a councilman in Hillsdale and as the borough attorney of Woodcliff Lake, among other roles.

Former Hillsdale Mayor Tim O'Reilly was quoted in the obituary as saying Dorfman "was totally dedicated to his work, seven days a week," and "was always available to talk to a client."

In another obituary on NorthJersey.com, Police Chief Chip Stalter, who served as patrolman during Dorfman's time as judge, said "he was one of those old-school judges who ran a tight and respectful court and required the proper decorum from the attorneys before him, the defendants and the police officers."

Councilman Larry Meyerson, also a former municipal judge, said Tuesday that Dorfman would often attend court just to watch and "make sure [he] was doing it right."

Dorfman is survived by his wife, two daughters, four grandchildren and one great grandchild. Services will be held at the Gutterman and Musicant Jewish Funeral Directors, 402 Park St., Hackensack, at 1 p.m. Friday