Donald De Cordova

The Honorable Donald William de Cordova (retired), 91, passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 10, 2025.
"The Judge," as he was affectionately known by his friends and colleagues, was a distinguished jurist, who served on the Superior Court of New Jersey for over two decades, in addition to having a career in private practice and arbitration. He was also a devoted family man, friend and community member who lived a full life and made a significant impact on the many lives he met along the way.
Donald was born in New York City and grew up in Bogota, where he lived for the majority of his life. He graduated from Bogota High School in 1952. He attended Princeton University, graduating in 1956 with his bachelor's degree from the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs (now the Princeton School of Public & International Affairs).
Following college, Donald earned his Juris Doctor from Rutgers Law School in 1961 and began his long legal career. Before his appointment to the New Jersey Superior Court, he was deeply involved in the Bergen County legal community for years, including maintaining a successful private law practice at the landmark law firm of Morrison, Lloyd & Griggs in Hackensack, attaining the rank of general partner. In his 20 years of private practice, he handled municipal, banking, hospital and medical law. While practicing law, Donald also served as Judge of the Municipal Court in the Borough of Bogota.
In 1981, Governor Brendan Byrne appointed Donald to the bench of the New Jersey Superior Court. During his esteemed 23-year tenure, he held several key positions within the Bergen Vicinage, including serving in both the Civil and Family divisions, in which he handled a wide variety of cases, acting as assistant to the Assignment Judge and elevating to the post of Presiding Judge of the Special Civil Part. Donald retired from the bench in 2004.
After his judicial retirement, Donald served as a Dispute Resolution Professional for the National Arbitration Forum, handling personal injury protection medical providers' arbitration. Donald also was a longtime member of the Bergen County Bar Association.
In addition to his legal career, Donald served his country in the United States Navy and continued in the Naval Reserve for more than three decades. Commissioned in Princeton's ROTC, he graduated from the Naval School of Justice in Newport, RI, performed legal and investigative work at the Naval Air Station in Washington, D.C., and continued to serve for another 32 years in the Naval Reserve Intelligence Program, attaining the rank of Captain. Donald was reactivated in 1974 for four months at St. Alban's Naval Hospital as a primary debriefer for Vietnamese POWs. He remained close to his Navy buddies throughout the years, and he was a key organizer in annual dinners and other events that frequently reunited him with his shipmates.
In addition to his numerous professional accomplishments, Donald lived a full and fulfilling life. His wisdom and strength of character were appreciated by most who crossed his path, and he gathered friends from each stage of his life, holding them close and steadfastly. He lived a life of service. A longtime member of Bogart Memorial Reformed Church in Bogota, he served as a Deacon, an Elder and also cooked church dinners that would rival four-star restaurant offerings. He was also involved in his children's education, including chaperoning school and band trips. A consummate host, he was always quick with a drink, smile and hearty meal to offer guests, and he wouldn't be happy unless he was certain you left the table satisfied.
Donald was often most content when he was working on a project, crafting in his workshop or repairing something with a bit of life left in it. He had a keen eye for the tiniest details and could pick up on the slightest nuances – a talent that served him well in the legal arena as well as when working with his hands. He also used that attention to consider the details in the small, still moments in life, as he savored the outdoors, basking in the sun at the Jersey Shore or simply sitting on a deck appreciating nature. He spent his final years living in Crystal Springs, gazing at the mountains surrounding his home and savoring the feeling like he was on vacation each day.
A devoted family man, Donald is survived by his adoring wife of 54 years, Mary Ann, their children, Wendy Ann and William, and their four grandchildren: Julia, Lindsey, Xavier and Quentin. A private family service will be held to honor Donald's life.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Donald's memory to Bogart Memorial Reformed Church or the American Heart Association. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Donald, please visit our Tree Store.