Alan J. Rich Esquire

July 21st, 1946 - June 12th, 2023
Alan J. Rich, Esquire, beloved husband, father, and grandfather died peacefully on Monday, June 12 in Miami, Florida after a sudden illness.

Born in 1946 in Brooklyn, New York, to Alfred and Ruth (nee Lampell) Rich. He married Francee Stern at The Manor in West Orange, New Jersey in July 1969. The newlyweds lived in San Antonio, Texas from 1969 to 1971, then moved to Morristown for the next 33 years. Happily married for almost 54 years, Francee was a constant by Alan's side. Alan and Francee celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in Miami where they lived the last 18 years together. Love and attention to family and his dear wife, Francee, were always Alan's top priorities.

A man of kindness and intellect, Alan had an unending quest for knowledge. After graduating Forest Hills Forest High in Forest Hills, New York, he attended the University of Oklahoma earning a B.A., and continued his education at St. Mary's School of Law where he received his Juris Doctorate and honors at both schools. Alan served as an executive on Saint Mary's Law School Journal, helping to run the magazine as well as contributing articles for publication. He was admitted to the New Jersey Bar in 1971.

Alan was not one to shy away from work. He earned his way through school as a waiter, maître 'd hotel, and librarian. His practice encompassed environmental law, corporate law, matrimonial law, litigation, and real estate law. Alan grew to become an expert in real estate law and was often called upon for his expertise. Together with Marc Friedman, Esq., Alan's practice grew substantially to five attorneys, four secretaries and one paralegal as Rich & Friedman. His employees loved Alan for his constant show of kindness, generosity, and understanding. He even took the entire staff for annual summer fun at the Jersey shore.

Alan enjoyed all spectator sports and was an ardent football fan. It was not unusual to find him enthusiastically cheering his teams along with his sons by his side. However, he was not just a spectator. Alan was an avid golfer who was active in numerous group destination tournaments. His golfing skill was so great that he was once profiled in the Star Ledger newspaper.

Local youth benefited from Alan's baseball expertise during the years he volunteered as a Babe Ruth League coach. His team once won the New Jersey State tournament. Alan's volunteering didn't stop at baseball coach, however. He also volunteered along with his wife, Francee, at the Morristown Neighborhood House.

Alan loved spending time with his family and friends, and he demonstrated that love by acting as gourmet chef all year long and at family vacations. His meals were always delicious menus served at a table set with silver the Spanish Armada would envy. When Alan and Francee moved to Miami he loved to host as Christmas Day Chef.

Alan devoted 44 years to the Brookside Senior Citizens. He began his position as their attorney at law when the complex was in its early stages and continued his devotion to the center for four and a half decades.

Alan will be remembered for his generosity, and devotion and loyalty to his family and friends.

Alan is survived by his beloved wife, Francee; his children, Charles Rich of Garland, Texas and Philip Rich of Houston, Texas; grandchildren Ethan Rich of New Orleans, Louisiana, Zachary Rich of Rockwall, Texas, and Abigail Rich of Rockwall, Texas; and brothers Lloyd Rich, Esq. of Denver, Colorado and Paul Rich Esq. of Dallas, Texas.

In lieu of flowers and in remembrance of Alan J. Rich's life, the family would appreciate any donations be made to Morris County Interfaith Food Pantry Network, 2 Executive Drive, Morris Plains, NJ 07950.