Paul Fader has Died
Bergen County native Paul T. Fader, the former two-term Mayor of Englewood, former chief counsel to Governors James McGreevey and Richard Codey, and co-founder of the firm Florio Perrucci Steinhardt and Fader, has died.
Married with four children, regarded as a gentleman and consummate professional, Mr. Fader was one of the most politically connected people in the state, and partner in a Trenton-based lobbying firm, K Street Public Affairs.
He was 58.
His death sent a shock wave through the political establishment, particularly since Mr. Fader did not leave the law firm by his own volition when Florio Perrucci restructured late last month.
“I was shocked and saddened to learn of Paul’s passing this evening.,” said Senator Codey. “Paul was more than just a trusted advisor to me over the years — he was a friend. He spent countless hours in service to our state as both a mayor and as the governor’s chief counsel; he was a true professional in every sense of the word. My heart goes out to his wife and children at this difficult time.”
“Paul Fader was a brilliant attorney, spectacular friend and best joke teller ever,” said attorney Gail Gordon.
Mr. Fader had a long and distinguished career in public service.
As Mayor of Englewood, he successfully championed a revitalization of the Bergen County community’s commercial district. Insiders regarded Mr. Fader as one of the state’s leading legal experts in government, regulatory & lobbying practice, construction, and real estate and land use. Ranked as one of the “Top Ten Lawyer Lobbyists” in the State of New Jersey, Mr. Fader was one of the “100 Most Influential People in the State of New Jersey” by New Jersey Monthly Magazine.
A member of Governor-Elect James E. McGreevey’s transition team, Mr. Fader also served on United States Senators Jon Corzine and Robert G. Torricelli’s Federal Judicial Nominating Committee for the Federal District Court for the State of New Jersey. He was a delegate for President Bill Clinton to the 1996 Democratic National Convention, and served as a delegate for President Barack Obama to the 2012 Democratic National Convention.
Founded in 1996 by former Governor James J. Florio and Michael J. Perrucci, powerhouse law firm Florio Perrucci Steinhardt & Fader, LLC announced a restructuring on Nov. 29th without Mr. Fader. The firm’s new name, Florio, Perrucci, Steinhardt and Cappelli reflected the last name of partner, Lou Cappelli, Jr., Camden County Freeholder Director, who joined the firm in 2007.
Mr. Fader’s cause of death was not immediately clear on Monday night. Two sources say he suffered a massive heart attack.
Paul Fader was a great man, a great husband, a great father, a great attorney, and a great friend. He built Florio Perrucci Steinhardt & Fader from the ground up and put his blood, sweat, and tears into making sure it was one of the top firms in the state. Paul was always the first one in and the last one to leave.
Paul was a great man who was dedicated to his family, his clients, and his employees. He had a great sense of humour, and could always fill the room with laughter with a well-timed joke. Paul would go above and beyond to make others feel welcome and would do whatever he could to help someone out if they needed.
Paul will be sorely missed, and his legacy is one his family, friends, colleagues, and clients can be proud of.
Paul’s favorite quote was from Winston Churchill and he would say it whenever dealing with complex legal or political challenges. He would always say:
“Never, never, never give up.”
No matter what challenges Paul was faced with, he never gave up, and that is a valuable example for everyone to follow in business and in life.
Thank you, Paul, until we meet again.
Very sad to hear of the passing of Paul Fader. New Jersey lost an elder statesman . A consummate professional and above all a real gentleman. He was always available to listen to and extend himself to offer assistance . Despite his well earned reputation as a power broker in the State , he never showed an ounce of ego. Great Dad and Husband I extend my condolences to the Fader family .