Opened private law firm with father, former Elizabeth Mayor; served four full terms as elected Surrogate of Union County, 74 James S. LaCorte, 74, died on Wednesday, December 22, 2021.

Born in Newark, James resided in Union at the time of his passing after living the majority of his life in Elizabeth. He attended St. Genevieve’s School, Xavier High School in New York City, and Fordham University. He went on to earn his law degree at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX in 1972.

James returned to Elizabeth upon law school graduation. He and his father, former Elizabeth Mayor Nicholas S. LaCorte, together opened a private law firm. James practiced law for over 20 years with the firm LaCorte, LaCorte, Bundy & Varady.

In 1999, he was elected Surrogate of Union County, proudly serving in this position for four full terms and winning a fifth term in November of 2019. James brought an extensive knowledge in probate matters, a love of the law, and dedication to his elected position.

Throughout James’ tenure, thousands of Union County residents received thoughtful guidance and compassion during their most critical times of bereavement. James also worked to educate the citizens of Union County on the importance of probate matters and made the Surrogate office more accessible.

Throughout his career, James was an active member of many professional associations, including the Union County Bar Association, the New Jersey State Bar Association, the Constitutional Officers Association of New Jersey (COANJ), and the Surrogate Judiciary Liaison Committee.

James received various recognitions for his service to the community, including the William J. McCloud Award in 2009 for outstanding service in the protection of families in Union County.

Outside of the office, you could find James at Suburban Golf Club. Time spent on the course and around the card table playing Gin with friends brought James many hours of enjoyment. James had an intense knowledge of and interest in history.

Those who knew him will remember his quick wit and inherent sense of humor. James took an animated approach to sports viewership. Hours were spent actively watching March Madness, Superbowl Games, the Fordham Rams, and more recently the Michigan State Spartans.

He was extremely proud of his daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren. He enjoyed planning family outings including visits to historical sites, professional sports games, and minor league baseball fields.

James is predeceased by his parents, Bertha (Longauer) and Nicholas S. LaCorte, cousins Ben Pollner and T. Anthony Pollner. James is survived by his daughter, Kristin Kloss; son-in-law, Terrence; daughter, Meredith Carpenter; son-in-law, Robert; and four grandchildren: James, Corinne, Amanda, and Thomas. Survivors also include extended family, Edward Pollner, Amy (Pollner) Moritz, many dedicated friends, and respected colleagues.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 29, from 12-3 pm and 5-8 pm, at the Petruccelli Funeral Home, 232 Christine Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202.

A funeral Mass will take place at St. Genevieve’s Church, Elizabeth, NJ, on Thursday, December 30, at 10:30 am.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in his memory to United Way of Greater Union County. The Petruccelli Funeral Home 232 Christine Street Elizabeth, NJ 07202 (732)208-2005