On Monday, October 20, 2025, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Judge Joseph Rodriguez retired after a distinguished 40-year career as a federal judge in New Jersey. Rodriguez, 94, New Jersey’s first Hispanic federal judge and longest-serving jurist, concluded his tenure after decades of service. He quietly retired last month, following an emotional send-off with colleagues at the Mitchell Cohen Courthouse in Camden.
Rodriguez’s career began as a community activist in Camden during the 1960s. He was involved in significant legal cases, including the Mount Laurel affordable housing decision before the state Supreme Court. He also served as the state’s public defender and advocate.
Born in Camden in 1930, Rodriguez grew up near the courthouse where he later presided. His father, Mario, a Cuban national, survived the sinking of the SS Carolina by a German U-boat in 1918. Rodriguez later presided over a case involving the salvage rights to the sunken vessel.
Before his appointment to the federal bench by President Ronald Reagan in 1985, Rodriguez made significant contributions to New Jersey law. As chairman of Camden Legal Services, he initiated a lawsuit mandating legal representation for defendants facing jail time. As the state’s Public Advocate, appointed by former Republican Gov. Thomas Kean in 1982, Rodriguez filed the complaint that led to the Mount Laurel doctrine, which addressed discriminatory zoning regulations.
Rodriguez became a senior judge in 1998, reducing his workload while continuing to preside over trials and issue opinions. His final decision was filed approximately three weeks before his retirement.
In his retirement, Rodriguez intends to spend time with his wife, Barbara, his four daughters, ten grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer
