Kenneth J. Slomienski

The Honorable Kenneth J. Slomienski, Superior Court Judge, loving husband, and quintessential family man, passed away peacefully at home on November 14, 2014, after courageously battling cancer. He was 63 years old. Ken was a lifelong resident of Wallington, New Jersey, and he served the borough in various capacities over the course of his life. He was born on June 10, 1951, the youngest of three sons of Walter and Constance Slomienski, the owners of the Wallington Tavern, a place where neighbors and friends mingled, and where Ken and his brothers Walter Jr. and Robert learned lessons of hard work and sacrifice that they carried for the rest of their lives. Ken met Maureen, his beloved wife of 39 years at Wallington High School. A perfect pair, they were inseparable, and an inspiration as a kind and deeply devoted couple, as much in love now as they were when they were married on June 28, 1975. But it was Maureen who always gave the orders in the judge’s house, and it was Ken who was happy to comply. In 1973, Ken obtained a B.A. in Political Science from Rutgers University, and in 1977 he received a J.D. from Delaware Law School, where he was the Business Manager of the Journal of Corporate Law and a member of the Law Review. He went on to enjoy a long and successful career in the private practice of law, but also demonstrated a passion for public service. At various times, he served as Prosecutor, Public Defender, or Borough Attorney in Wallington, and he served in similar capacities in Carlstadt and East Rutherford as well. He also was a Commissioner of the Bergen County Board of Taxation, and was Democratic Municipal Chairman in Wallington. In 2006, he was nominated by Governor Richard Codey for the position of Judge of the New Jersey Superior Court, Bergen County, and he was unanimously confirmed by the New Jersey Senate. He proudly held this post up to his passing. Ken was also terribly proud of the two sons, Michael and Matthew, that he and Maureen raised and steered toward academic and personal success. He was an avid outdoorsman, hunter, and Corvette enthusiast. His gray Corvette matched his always perfectly coiffed gray hair. His other, raspberry red, he would take to shows. But Ken put wife and family ahead of all else, and he reveled in the time he spent with them, particularly at their summer home in Lavallette, where he would regularly venture off on Saturday afternoons to catch up with friends at a certain beachfront establishment. Ken was adored by his family for so much, not only for his quirks and opinions but his optimism, generosity, integrity, loyalty, honor, humor, and wit. He knew a lot about a lot. Tall and majestic like an elm, his presence was a source of strength and stability to his entire family. And, he was meticulous – about everything! He made our world a better, brighter place, and leaves behind so many broken hearts. He is survived by his wife Maureen; son Michael, daughter-in-law Melissa and grandson William Francis; and son Matthew, his fiancée Amanda Allen and grandson Jaxon Miller. Uncle Ken was also loved deeply by all members of the Lisovicz family. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.org.

Kenneth J. Slomienski

June 10, 1951 - November 14, 2014