Morris County Superior Court judge dies after fall

A Morris County Superior Court judge has died after falling backwards on stairs outside a Boonton deli, the Daily Record has reported.

James Gannon told the Daily Record that his brother, Judge Edward V. Gannon passed away on Tuesday night at Morristown Medical Center at the age of 63.

Edward had been hospitalized since falling last Friday and hitting his head according to the article. James told the newspaper that it is not clear if the fall led to his death.

"We're lucky to have loved him and to be loved by him. He died surrounded by his loving family and the Gannon family would like to thank everyone for the love and support we have received," his brother told the article.

“With over 25 years in the judiciary, and having served in each of the three trial Divisions, Judge Gannon’s work ethic and sense of service to the citizens of Morris, Sussex and Passaic Counties, both on and off the bench, was legendary," said Judge Gannon’s assignment judge, Judge Stuart Minkowitz. "He never hesitated to assist his colleagues and provide mentorship. It is an understatement when I say that he will be sorely missed.”

According to his obituary on the website of Codey-Mackey Funeral Home in Boonton, Edward was appointed as a judge for the first time in 1991 and was appointed a Superior Court judge in 1998. He was a graduate of King's College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania and Seton Hall. He had two sons, Michael and Rory and married to wife Mary Ellen.

A viewing for Edward takes place on Friday at the funeral home from 3 to 7 p.m. His funeral is Saturday at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel R.C. Church in Boonton at 10 a.m. The family requested that donations be made to the Boonton Kiwanis First Aid Squad in lieu of flowers.