Hon. Dean Joseph Buono

Honorable Dean Joseph Buono, 57, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of devotion, integrity, and quiet humor that will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Born in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, Dean was raised in the Centennial Lake community of Medford, New Jersey, where his lifelong love for the outdoors first took root. He graduated from Holy Cross High School in 1987, went on to attend West Virginia Wesleyan College, and later earned his law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School, beginning a career defined by fairness, dedication, and service.

In 2014, Dean was appointed Judge of Administrative Law for the State of New Jersey, a role he carried out with distinction and deep respect for the individuals and families before him. He later advanced to training new judges and became highly regarded for his expertise in Special Education cases, where his compassion and commitment to justice made a meaningful difference in countless lives.

Outside of the courtroom, Dean was a true outdoorsman whose love of nature stayed with him throughout his life. He was a competitive bass fisherman and a proud member of New Jersey's BASS fishing team, as well as a passionate hunter and freshwater fisherman. Whether on the water at sunrise or deep in the woods, Dean found peace, purpose, and joy being outdoors, where he felt most at home.

Above all else, Dean's greatest pride and joy were his sons, Joseph Domenic Buono (15) and Rocco Everett Buono (12)- his best dudes. Nothing meant more to him than being their father. He was a constant presence in their lives-always early to football practices and games, always watching from the sidelines with pride, support, and love. His devotion to his boys defined him.

Dean is survived by his beloved sons, Joey and Rocco, and their mother, Ashley (Auerbach) Buono; his brother Dr. Lee Buono and wife Tara (Monroe) Buono; his sister Dr. Cynthia Buono; and his cherished nephew Nicholas Andrew Buono and niece Ella Marie Buono.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Joseph S. Buono and Barbara Buono, and his brother Christopher Buono.

Those closest to Dean knew him as a man of strong values, deep loyalty, and steady presence. Although he appeared serious, he had a sharp, distinctive sense of humor and could always make people laugh when they least expected it. He was famously handy-able to build or fix just about anything-and well known for making the best meatballs and chicken cutlets. He made people feel comfortable, supported, and genuinely cared for.

Dean's legacy is one of volunteerism, love, service, and fatherhood. He taught by example-showing the importance of showing up, working hard, doing what's right, and caring very deeply for family. He will be remembered most for his quiet strength, his true devotion to his sons, and the steady way he showed love through action.

Dean Joseph Buono will be forever loved, forever remembered, and forever missed.

Visitation will be from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at the Bradley Funeral Home, 601 Rt 73 South and Evesham Rd, Marlton, NJ 08053; and from 10:00 am to 10:45 am, on Friday, January 16, 2025, at St. Joan of Arc Church, 100 Willow Bend Rd, Marlton, NJ 08053. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 am, at the church. Entombment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Cherry Hill, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made on behalf of the Buono sons, Joseph and Rocco to St. Joan of Arc School, 101 Evans Rd, Marlton, NJ 08053 or by clicking here

To view a livestream of the Mass of Christian Burial please click here