We are saddened to announce that Peter N. Perretti, Jr. passed away on Saturday evening. Peter was a name partner of this Firm and a strong part of our impressive history. Services will be held on Friday, March 4th at 1:00 pm at the First Congregational Church of Montclair, 40 South Fullerton Ave., Montclair.
Peter’s half-century career made him one of New Jersey’s foremost litigators. After graduating from Colgate University in 1953 and Cornell University Law School in 1956, Peter served as Assistant Prosecutor of Essex County from 1958 to 1960. He subsequently joined the Firm, then known as Riker, Danzig & Marsh, in 1960. His practice encompassed both civil and criminal jury matters involving almost all substantive fields of law.
Peter testified before the House Judiciary Committee on matters relating to products liability reform issues, and he was instrumental in the preparation of the New Jersey Product Liability Reform Act, which took effect in July of 1987. He also served as defense counsel in major pharmaceutical mass tort litigation, including Thalidomide, DES and Kevandon issues.
In 1989, Peter left his position at Riker Danzig when he was appointed to serve as Attorney General for the State of New Jersey during the administration of Governor Thomas Kean. After his term as Attorney General concluded, Peter returned to Riker Danzig, where he resumed his litigation practice. In 1991, he received the New Jersey Trial Attorneys Association Award for his contribution to the justice system. He was also a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation and a Trustee of the Association of the Federal Bar of New Jersey.
His contributions to this firm and the state’s legal system cannot be overstated. We are proud to have practiced law with him and to have called him friend. Peter will be remembered and greatly missed.
