Past President

Martin Thomas Durkin, Sr.
NJILGA Past President Martin Thomas Durkin, Sr. of Lexington, Kentucky formerly of Ridgefield Park, NJ passed away on October 17, 2019 at the age of 88. Martin had a distinguished career as a New Jersey attorney and was the recipient of the New Jersey Institute of Local Government Attorneys’ Fred G. Stickel Memorial Award for his contributions in the area of municipal law. In keeping with his passion for protecting the rights of municipal entities and the residents they serve, Martin was counsel of record in numerous cases on behalf of Ridgefield Park and nearby municipalities in his 50+ year career. Most notably, Martin (along with co-counsel from Teaneck) successfully enjoined Bergen County from allowing the county to operate a landfill on land that had been donated by Ridgefield Park and Teaneck for use as a park. This land now comprises Overpeck County Park, regarded as one of the top ten parks in NJ. A man of strong faith and ethics, he was a graduate of St. Cecilia’s High School in Englewood, St. Peter’s College and NYU Law School. Over his life he was on several local boards and committees and believed strongly in service.