Donald S. Coburn

I knew Don from our time together at the Little Red School House. Although we both also attended Cornell University, he wasn't in my life again until 2017 when we attended a Little Red reunion. After that we occasionally corresponded. Don was honest, intelligent and a thoughtful and considerate friend. I am saddened by his passing. My sympathy to his family.
Judith Locker Adelson

I remember him always wearing his cowboy hat and smoking his cigarettes outside of the Courthouse. He would people watch a little, but his main goal was to have a puff of his cigarette. I appreciate how incredibly smart he was....how much he loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them. I appreciated his encouragement and advice. I'll miss his smile. The world is dimmer without him around.

I had the honor of clerking for Judge Coburn almost 20 years ago. He was a great judge and an extraordinary human. I was not the typical candidate, and Judge Coburn gave me an opportunity when no one else did. He treated me with kindness and respect. We talked, joked and shared desserts. He told me stories of his days as a prosecutor. We would race to find answers to legal issues - he in his law library and me on "the machine". I´d like to say we were 50/50 but he probably beat me more often than I did him. He was firm but fair, patient and kind. He expected me to have all my work completed well and on time but then took the time to discuss the legal issues and explain his decisions to me. I learned so much - about the law and about myself. He literally changed the direction of my life. I am so grateful and humbled to have had the chance to work with him and to know him. May his memory forever be a blessing.
Sincerely,
Nicole Goldstein

Don was truly a remarkable individual and an extraordinary judge. I met Don when I was appointed to the Appellate Division and, for a while, my office was next to his on the 11th floor of the North Tower in Morristown. From the very beginning I admired Don's strong work ethic, his love of the law, and his unique ability to unravel and resolve complex legal issues. I will always be grateful for his guidance, his kindness, his words of encouragement, and his friendship. Don always did his very best to achieve a fair and just result in each and every case, and he inspired his colleagues to do the same. It was a real pleasure and privilege to know him and to work with him. I am very sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Ron Graves, J.A.D. (Ret.)