We are devastated by the tragic deaths of our former partner and friends John Sheridan and his wife Joyce. Both passed away yesterday after a fire in their home. John was co-chair of the Firm, chair of the Management Committee and head of our Governmental Affairs practice for many years.
“He was a brilliant legal strategist, a strong leader, a true gentleman and a great friend of this Firm, where he had the respect and admiration of everyone,” said Glenn Clark, Managing Partner of Riker Danzig. “Few people give so much and accomplish as much as John did. He will be greatly missed but not forgotten.”
Mary Kay Roberts, head of Riker Danzig’s Trenton office and Government Affairs Practice, credits John as her mentor. “John taught me everything I know not only about government affairs but about being a good lawyer. He rose to any challenge and never hesitated to stop and mentor so many along the way. I relied on his advice and guidance throughout my legal career. I am blessed to have worked with him and will never forget his friendship, kindness and everything that he did to help grow our Firm’s reputation and put our practice on the map.”
John “retired” from Riker Danzig in 2005 to serve as Senior Executive Vice President of The Cooper Health System, becoming President and CEO in 2008. At Cooper, he made a huge impact on not just the healthcare system but the revitalization of Camden. Prior to joining Riker in 1985, John had a rich history in public service. He served in the U.S. Army for ten years from 1968 to 1978. John also served as Commissioner of Transportation for the State of New Jersey, Chairman of the Board of the New Jersey Transit Corporation, Counsel to the New Jersey Senate Republicans, Deputy Attorney General of the State of New Jersey, Assistant Counsel to Governor Cahill, and Counsel to the Apportionment Commission of the State of New Jersey and Co-Counsel to the New Jersey Congressional Redistricting Commission. He served on the transition teams for both Governor Christine Todd Whitman and Governor Chris Christie.
John was also extremely charitable. He sat on the Boards of Trustees for the Carrier Clinic, New Jersey Future and the Edison Preservation Foundation, the Board of Directors for the New Jersey Alliance for Action, the Advisory Board of Voorhees Transportation Center, and the Board of Regents of St. Peter's College. He was a graduate of St. Peter’s College and Rutgers Law School.
We extend our deepest sympathy to John and Joyce’s family, and hold them in our thoughts and prayers.
