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RICHARD ZORZA Obituary
RICHARD ZORZA (Age 69)
Richard Zorza died of cancer on April 13, 2019. The Conferences of Chief Justices and State Court Administrators called him "the foremost ambassador and crusader for the cause of self represented litigants in the United States." A lawyer and technology innovator, his accomplishments include: getting Massachusetts' death penalty ruled unconstitutional; designing NY state's domestic violence order of protection registry and the NYC police mapping system; starting the Self Help Litigation Network; and advocating for doctor-patient partnering at Johns Hopkins Hospital. He also helped start the nation's first neighborhood-based public defender office (in Harlem) and first community court emphasizing prevention and alternatives to incarceration (in Manhattan). He is survived by wife Joan Zorza and stepsons Derin and Arloc Sherman. Donations: Collington Foundation Health Fund, 10450 Lottsford Road, Bowie, MD 20721. Memorial service: 1 p.m., June 15 in Collington's auditorium.
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Memories and Condolences
for RICHARD ZORZA
3 Entries
John L. German
December 21, 2022
Greatly esteemed colleague, he strived to make justice accessible to people of the least means or influence. His great work moved the world closer to that goal, and is a continuing ongoing inspiration as we carry that work forward.
Deborah Smith
May 19, 2019
A great and accomplished leader for the justice community and a kind and caring soul in the world community. His legacy will continue for generations.
Richard and Joan in home at Collington Life Care Community
Joan Zorza
May 10, 2019
In lieu of flowers, send donations to Collington Foundation, Health Fund, 10450 Lottsford Rd., Bowie, MD 20721.
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