[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 137 (Wednesday, November 12, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1534-E1535]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORABLE PATRICK J. ROMA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, Jr.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 12, 2014

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Honorable 
Patrick J. Roma who was celebrated in October for his retirement from 
judicial service by his friends, family, and coworkers. He retires 
after a long career in which he faithfully upheld New Jersey's 
Constitution.
  The Honorable Patrick J. Roma received his undergraduate degree from 
Seton Hall University in 1971. He later received his law degree from 
Samford University's Cumberland School of Law in 1975 and his L.L.M. 
Degree from New York University School of Law in 1981.
  Early in Judge Roma's legal career, he worked as the late Judge John 
J. Cariddi's Law Secretary in the Superior Court of New Jersey. Judge 
Roma then went on to work at Friedman, Pearlman & Roma, P.C. where he 
worked as an attorney for over two decades. During this time, he also 
served as Prosecutor for the Boroughs of Palisades Park, Fairview, 
Little Ferry, Saddle Brook, Haworth, and Leonia.
  During his time as Partner at Friedman, Pearlman & Roma, P.C., Judge 
Roma was elected as Council President and Police Commissioner for the 
Borough of Palisades Park. He served from January 1985 through December 
1987. Thereafter, Judge Roma was elected as New Jersey's District 38 
General Assemblyman from 1988 through 1997 during which time he served 
as Assistant Minority Whip and Assistant Minority Leader.
  As an Assemblyman, Judge Roma received a number of awards. He was 
awarded Legislator of the Year by Local 518 the Motor Vehicle Employees 
Union in 1993, and Shelter Our Sisters and the Italian American Police 
Society both in 1994, as well as, Man of the Year by New Jersey AFL-CIO 
in 1995 and Parole Officers Association in 1991.
  Judge Roma received a Distinguished Service Award presented by Consul 
General Franco Mistretta, on behalf of the Italian Government, in 
recognition of his outstanding contribution and dedicated service to 
the Italian-American community from Ambassador Boris Biancheri, 
Ambassador of Italy to the United States.
  Judge Roma was appointed in 1997 to the Superior Court of New Jersey 
by Governor Christie Todd Whitman and reappointed with tenure in 2003 
by Governor James McGreevy. He has served on the bench in the Criminal 
Division of the Bergen Vicinage.
  Having served alongside Judge Roma in the State Assembly, I know 
personally of his dedicated and hardworking nature. Judge Roma has made 
an outstanding mark on Bergen County with his compassionate nature and 
passion for upholding justice.
  The job of a United States Congressman involves much that is 
rewarding, yet nothing compares to recognizing and commemorating

[[Page E1535]]

the achievements of individuals like the Honorable Patrick J. Roma.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, Judge Roma's family, 
friends, coworkers, and all those whose lives he has touched, and me, 
in recognizing the Honorable Patrick J. Roma.

                          ____________________