James Dronzek

DRONZEK, James Francis, of Hillsdale, NJ, formerly of Jersey City, NJ passed away suddenly on Sunday, December 18, 2022. James is survived by his loving wife Katherine; his loving children Claire and James Jr.; his dear sister Rita and her husband Tom Jividen; and his father-in-law John J. Dinneny. James had special relationships with his cousins, brothers and sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews who survive him. He is predeceased by his father Morris Dronzek, his mother Catherine E. Dronzek (nee McGee), his sister Kathleen Shediack and many devoted aunts and uncles.

James was born in Manhattan, NY to Morris and Catherine Dronzek and grew up in Jersey City, NJ. He was a proud Hudson County native and a proud graduate of Saint Peter’s Preparatory School, Saint Peter’s College and Fordham Law School. At Saint Peter’s Prep and Saint Peter’s College, James made lifelong connections and strong friendships with friends who meant the world to him. He was a member of the Saint Peter’s College Glee Club where he shared his love for singing and music with his fellow members.

James spent his career as a New Jersey attorney, practicing in Hoboken, Jersey City, and Secaucus. He was an exceptional attorney who was dedicated to his clients and a proud member of the Hudson County Bar Association, where he formerly served as Trustee.

James and Katherine were married in 1995 and lived in Ramsey, NJ before moving to Hillsdale, NJ with their two children. He was a devoted husband and father who enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his family. James spent recent summers at his family home in Long Beach Island where he loved to host and entertain. His proudest achievements were his children Claire and James Jr. and their accomplishments throughout their lives.

James had an extraordinary ability to make everyone around him laugh and feel welcome and loved. He was a lover of the simplest things: making a homestyle breakfast, the New York Times crossword puzzle, a ride around town or a weekend trip, a good movie, a phone call from a friend, and above all, a good joke. He will be greatly missed and remembered as someone who touched many lives during his time with us.

The family will receive guests at Becker Funeral Home, 219 Kinderkamack Rd., Westwood, NJ on Wednesday, December 21st from 2-4PM and 7-9PM. A Mass celebrating James’s life and faith will be held at St. John The Baptist R.C. Church on Thursday, December 22nd at 10:30AM with interment to follow in Ascension Cemetery, Airmont, NY. Memorial contributions can be made in James’s name to Saint Peter’s Preparatory School, 144 Grand Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302 or Saint Peter’s University, 2641 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ 07306.