An inspiration to many of a life lived with courage and public integrity, Bergen County Surrogate Judge Michael Dressler has died, InsiderNJ learned earlier today.

Serving his sixth term as surrogate, Judge Dressler said he wanted people to remember the organizing principle of public service in government, at a time when too many find money as a motivation.

People helped him at his most vulnerable time in life, and that’s what drove him to serve the Bergen County public for the last 28 years as the surrogate, a position he described as the best job he ever had.

From the Dressler Family:

Michael R. Dressler, lifelong public servant, devoted husband and father, and beloved Bergen County Surrogate for nearly three decades, passed away peacefully this morning at Holy Name Hospital, surrounded by his family and closest friends. It was the same hospital where he was born—an institution and community he loved deeply, and where he proudly served on the Board of Trustees for many years.

Mr. Dressler fought hard until the very end, meeting every challenge with the same courage, determination, and grace that defined his entire life. Even in his final days, he remained focused on the work that guided him for more than fifty years: helping others, caring for families in need, and improving the lives of the people of Bergen County.

Michael was predeceased by his loving parents, Margaret and Raymond Dressler, and his beloved Aunt Catherine. He is survived by his devoted wife, Agata, his cherished son Nikias, his brother Raymond, and sister-in-law Jeanne, along with many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

A full obituary and service information will follow.

Statement from Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco on the passing of Bergen County Surrogate Judge Michael Dressler:

Today, Bergen County lost not just a public servant, but a remarkable man and a true friend, Surrogate Judge Michael Dressler.

Michael’s life was a story of resilience, determination, and service. After a tragic accident at the Jersey Shore left him paralyzed just days before his high school graduation, doctors told him he would not survive the night—yet Michael refused to give up. With the support of his family, friends, and neighbors in Cresskill, he pushed forward, returning to school, earning degrees from Bergen Community College, Fairleigh Dickinson University, and Seton Hall Law School, and building a life of purpose and service.

He started in local government as a councilman and later mayor of Cresskill, before being elected Surrogate Judge in 1996. For 29 years, Michael led the Surrogate’s Court with fairness and compassion. He built programs that became models across New Jersey, including the Guardianship Monitoring Program to protect our frail and elderly, and he worked to make the court more accessible to families by creating satellite offices and practical resources.

Michael was also deeply proud of his Irish American heritage. You’d never miss him at a Bergen County St. Patrick’s Day Parade, where he celebrated his heritage with pride, joy, and community spirit. He carried with him the values of faith, family, and perseverance every day of his life.

I had the privilege of serving alongside Michael in county government for twelve years. He wasn’t just a colleague—he was a partner in service. His legal expertise was unmatched, but what I will remember most is his kindness, his humor, and the way he always treated people with dignity. Michael was not only a dedicated public servant but also a devoted husband, father, and friend.

On behalf of the people of Bergen County, I extend my deepest condolences to his wife, Aggie, and the entire Dressler family. Michael leaves behind a legacy of strength, courage, and service that will never be forgotten. May his memory be a blessing.

PLEASE TAKE TIME TO REWATCH THIS VIDEO WITH JUDGE DRESSLER:

The following is from a conversation the surrogate had with InsiderNJ four years ago:

"In this office, I get to make a positive impact on people's lives," Judge Dressler said. "People are coming usually after they have lost a loved one."

Judge Dressler himself had a story of overcoming adversity. When he was 17 years old, a day after the high school senior prom, he ran down the beach in Seaside Heights, dove into a wave as he had hundreds of times before and broke his neck.

He went to Holy Name Hospital and received last rites.

But he persevered through a year and a half of rehabilitation and received his undergraduate degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Through the worst times, he developed a deep appreciation for those others - starting with his family members - his parents and his brother - and the neighbors in his hometown - who helped him recover and decided he wanted to dedicate his life to public service.

"The people in Cresskill were amazing, and I thought I might have a talent at giving something back," Dressler said.

He won a council seat at the age of 22. while still a student at Seton Hall University Law School. He graduated in 1979, and defeated an incumbent mayor in 1983, after campaigning door to door in a manual chair.

Judge Dressler served as county counsel for three years and won the 1996 election for surrogate after Steve Rothman left the post to run for congress. "I was the only Democrat to win that year, the only Democrat in Bergen County for three years," he recalled.

Over these nearly two and a half decades, he appreciated the confidence Bergen taxpayers have repeatedly expressed when assessing his work. This year, he said, "I want them to remember that we brought the surrogate's office into the 21st century. When I started in 1997 we didn't have computers in this office. I think we've provided service to the people in a competent and compassionate manner. This office is well run. We have great staff here. All too often the people who work in government don't get the recognition they should. These people work so hard and are so good and so professional. I'm so proud of them. I hope people realize I've been an honest surrogate."

An admirer of President John F. Kennedy, Judge Dressler celebrated President Joe Biden's 2020 victory.

"I'm so proud that finally we'll have someone in that office who cares about people," he said.

When Judge Dressler met the future President three years ago, he told him, "Hey, pal, we need you," and Biden responded, "I'm not going anywhere."

Dressler felt like Biden was a regular guy, and more than that - "I had the feeling that he cares," the surrogate said.

In the final analysis, "I owe an incredible gratitude to God," Judge Dressler said. "God has answered my prayers. And my family. My family - you couldn't have a better support system." In these divided times, he wanted the people to remember to work together, to realize politics as the art of compromise, and to remain committed to service - not money - the example of John F. Kennedy still inspiring him, as it did at the outset, along with those neighbors of compassion and goodwill in his midst that he never forgot.

Judge Michael Dressler of Bergen County, rest in peace.