Hon. Daniel J. Yablonsky, Superior Court of New Jersey (Ret.)

Daniel J. “Bud” Yablonsky served on the Superior Court of New Jersey for 15 years. He sat in both Passaic and Essex counties, primarily in the Chancery Division, Family Part, presiding over domestic violence and Children in Court cases.

Judge Yablonsky is the grandson of Ukrainian immigrants who settled in Paterson in the early 1900s. He and his childhood sweetheart Francene Dupre recently celebrated 42 years of marriage. They are proud parents of Dan, a public advocate and Digital Organizing Director for Pittsburghers for Public Transit, and Carol, a partner in the Dinse law firm in Burlington and former Vermont Supreme Court clerk. Judge Yablonsky and Francene have two grandsons, Theo and Owen.

The judge holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Ithaca College, a Master’s Degree in Public Policy from Rutgers University, and his law degree from Syracuse University College of Law.

Before appointment to the bench, Judge Yablonsky practiced bankruptcy law more than 20 years and was appointed to serve as a Chapter 7 Trustee by the United States Department of Justice. He was a board member and volunteer with such nonprofits as Northeast New Jersey Legal Services, Cornealian Community Counselors, and the North Haledon Education Foundation. A former president of the Passaic County Bar Association, his dedication to providing pro bono legal representation has been recognized by numerous legal organizations, including the New Jersey State Bar Association with its Pro Bono Award and Legal Services of New Jersey with its Equal Justice Award.

He remains active in his community and church, having served as scout leader, lector, catechism teacher, retreat organizer, borough councilman, and parish council member. He actively supports the work and mission of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, which maintains a friary on Butler Street in Paterson.

Throughout the many years he presided over Children in Court cases, Judge Yablonsky gave freely of his time to CASA of Passaic and Union Counties. He has participated in volunteer events and trainings, and has advocated for the expansion of the Safe Babies Court Team at the state level. He was proud to learn recently that he has sworn-in more than 100 CASA volunteers to serve vulnerable children in foster care. He openly shares his gratitude with those who serve as foster and adoptive parents, CASA volunteers, case and adoption workers and supervisors, and the lawyers who represent the interests of children, parents, and the Division of Child Protection and Permanency.

He believes, as Pope Leo recently said:

“Life shines brightly not because we are rich, beautiful or powerful. Instead, it shines when we discover within ourselves the truth that we are called by God, have a vocation, have a mission, that our lives serve something greater than ourselves.”

We are proud to recognize Hon. Daniel J. Yablonsky, Superior Court of New Jersey (Ret.) as this year’s Champion for Children honoree.