Rocky Peterson

Rocky Peterson, former partner at the Princeton law firm Hill Wallack and former Law Director under Trenton Mayor Douglas Palmer, passed away at home on March 16, 2025.

The son of military veterans, Rocky spent his early years in Kaiserslautern, Germany, and El Paso, Texas, before settling in East Orange, New Jersey. He graduated from East Orange High School in 1970 and earned a full academic scholarship to Cornell University, where he obtained both his undergraduate and juris doctor degrees.

Rocky began his legal career in state government, working for the Administrative Office of the Courts and later the Division of Criminal Justice. In 1983, he joined Hill Wallack, representing municipalities, school districts, and public institutions. He eventually led the firm’s School Law and Municipal Law Practice Groups and served eight years as Trenton’s Law Director.

Respected by colleagues, Rocky was a dedicated member of several bar associations, including the New Jersey State Bar Association, where he helped establish the Minorities in the Profession Section. He served 12 years on the Supreme Court Disciplinary Review Board, chairing it for two years. A devoted member of the Trenton Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, he also served on the boards of Crossroads Theatre and Crossroads of the American Revolution.

Rocky was predeceased by his parents, Natalia and Lynwood Peterson, his brother Gilbert, and his best friend Vance VanJones.

He is survived by his wife, Paulette Peterson, three children— Malik Peterson (Yudelky), Danita Cooper-Lindsey (Derrick), and Dr. Corrie Fountain—five grandchildren (Marcus/Marissa, Devon, and Tremain/Turner), three godchildren, and many beloved cousins, nephews, and friends. He was especially proud that his grandson Tremain decided to pursue law, along with his goddaughter Pam. The family extends deep gratitude to the medical teams that cared for Rocky throughout his nearly seven-year journey.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Jefferson-Moss Magee Rehabilitation Foundation or The Trenton Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi.

Celebration of Life Memorial service will be held  at 10am April 26, 2025 at Hill Wallack LLP 21 Roszel Road, Princeton NJ, 08540

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