Daniel Arent Colfax

Daniel Arent Colfax, 58, of Sparta, New Jersey passed away suddenly on August 18, 2019. Dan was born in Paterson, New Jersey and grew up in Pompton Lakes, NJ. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Villanova University, class of 1984. Upon graduation he accepted a commission in the US Marine Corp. He received his law degree from California Western School of Law in San Diego, California, class of 1987. Dan was admitted to the New Jersey and Pennsylvania State Bars in 1988.

After Operation Desert Shield/Storm in 1991, Dan returned to the civilian practice of law. Remaining a “citizen soldier” by Presidential Recall in 2003 Dan was activated to serve as the Commanding Officer of Headquarters & Service Company (Combat +), in the 6th Motor Transport Battalion, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, leading that unit as part of the forward element of Operation Iraqi Freedom during the invasion of Iraq. Promoted in the field, he returned to his firm and the Marine Reserves in 2004, retiring from the US Marine Corps in 2007 as a Lt. Colonel.

Daniel has served as President of the Sussex County Bar Association, its Board of Trustees and on the committee for Prosecutorial and Judicial Nominations. Dan was active in his community in the Sparta Elks and the Sparta Kiwanis. Dan served as a pro-bono counsel for those who otherwise could not afford counsel and as a Public Defender for a number of townships in Sussex County. Dan played baseball and football throughout high school and college and rugby in his later years. He loved his family, music, woodworking and gardening. He is survived by his wife Corynne and their three children Morgan, Matthew and Madison, as well as his brother Richard and his four sisters Jane, Nancy, Betsy and Candace and his loving extended family.

Friends are invited to celebrate his life Saturday, August 24, 2019 from 12-4pm at the Goble Funeral Home, 22 Main St, Sparta, NJ 07871. Remembrances will begin at 3pm followed by the United States Marine service at 3:45pm. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in his memory to: Wounded Warrior Project : https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate