As the people of Northvale, and all of Bergen County are mourning the death of longtime Planning Board Chairman, Fire Chief & Business owner Charles A. Amorosso, we learn of the passing of another Northvale icon—JUDGE ROGER A. HAUSER.

Judge Hauser presided over the Northvale Municipal Court for over half a century and, until his passing, was the longest serving Municipal Court Judge in Bergen County.  He also served as the municipal judge in Rockleigh and, for many years, in Harrington Park.

I had the privilege and honor of observing Judge Hauser’s courtroom as a young Northvale Councilman and then as Mayor. He had Judge Judy beat because it was pure theatre! You see, Roger presided with style, confidence, fairness and humor.

And there was always a lesson the be learned in Judge Hauser’s courtroom.  On many occasions there was the young person appearing with their parent for some violations.  Roger would lecture and humble the young person as he determined the fine and warned them that he did not want to see them back in his courtroom.  Then came the final warning.  As they were leaving, Roger would declare “And make sure you pay back your mother!”

Besides being our Judge, Roger was an accomplished attorney who never forgot about his roots.  As he would say, Roger was a part of “O N”—Old Northvale.  He would delight in telling stories about growing up in Northvale and would mimic, in a positive manner, the many characters that he encountered.

Roger was always there for the many significant parts of the lives of his fellow “Northvaleans.”  From writing letters of recommendations to presiding at weddings, carrying out house closings, and preparing wills—ROGER WAS ALWAYS THERE.

Roger did everything with style, grace, professionalism and encouragement. He was honest, hopeful and caring.

My friend, Roger Hauser, was a “class act.”