In Memoriam: Longtime Shrewsbury Resident and Former Judge, Norman J. Peer

Longtime Shrewsbury resident and former Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Norman J. Peer passed away peacefully on Oct. 13 with his family by his side.

Norm served as a Monmouth County Superior Court judge in the Family Division in Freehold until 2006, when he reached the mandatory retirement age.

Norman J. Peer
Photo/family via Thompson Memorial Home

“Everyone agreed that to know Norm was to love him. He had a gift for making everyone he met feel like they were the most important person in the room. He made time for everyone in his life, and he always had an ear for listening, a joke to tell, or a story to share … Norm was involved in numerous organizations involved with helping others. These included CPC award for service to the community, Mental Health Association, CASA, Helen Hermann Community Service Award, Mental Health Association and many more. Norm and his late wife Joan were very active in helping foster children. They had 35 foster children living in their home over the span of several years. Norm’s heart was so big he had plenty of love and laughter
to share with all …
But to him his greatest accomplishment was his family. Norm adored being a husband to Joan, father to seven, and grandfather to 14. Aside from being called Judge, his favorite title was Pop. Norm has left a void in the hearts of his family members and
will be greatly missed by all.”
Loved ones of Norman J. Peer in his obituary

Norm was born in East Orange to Andrew Peer and the former Helen Margrett. During his childhood his family summered in Atlantic Highlands, which eventually became their year-round home, and is where Norm’s lifelong love of the Jersey Shore began.

Norm attended high school at Seton Hall Preparatory. In 1958 he graduated from Villanova University, where he was in the ROTC program.

Villanova was “where he met the love of his life, Joan Verdon, who became his wife for close to 60 years.” Commissioned as an ensign upon graduation from Villanova, Norm served over two years of active duty with the U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile cruiser USS Canberra. Norm was an Assistant Guided Missile Officer and competed Navy Justice School and served as trial counsel and defense counsel in several court-martial aboard ship.

Norm returned to New York in September of 1960 in time to enter law school at Fordham University. He drove a New York City cab at night while he was earning his law degree. Norm graduated Fordham Law School in 1963.

Upon graduation from Fordham, Norm began as an associate and partner of Burke & Burke and its successor Satterlee, Stevens, Burke & Burke. He devoted most of his time to corporate and securities matters.

Upon retirement Norm went back to practicing law with Genova, Burns & Vernoia, where he practiced law in the area of corporate governance and alternative dispute resolution. He then concentrated on mediation and arbitration at the firm of Lomurrow, Davison, Eastman and Munoz. Norm retired at the age of 80.

In addition to his wife and parents, Norm was predeceased by: his brother, Richard Peer; sister, Peggy Schilling; and sons, Kevin and Justin Peer.

He is survived by: his children, Andy Peer, of Highlands, Jennifer McConnell (Tom), of Hingham, MA, Mollie Twining (Taylor), of Rumson, , Sheila Smith (Todd), of Bloomfield, and Jennifer Anne Peer. of Westchester, PA; 14 grandchildren, Jaz, Kali, Drew, Michael, Caroline, Brett, Kyra, Haley, Madeline, Mason, Logan, Sarah, Lily, and Jake.

Visitation is set for Monday, Oct. 17, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 18 at 11 a.m. at St. George’s-by-the-River Episcopal Church, Rumson. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Norman’s name to St. George’s .

— Edited obituary prepared by family via Thompson Memorial Home