Michael R. Dressler

Obituary of Michael R. Dressler

Michael R. Dressler, beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away after a lifetime of service, faith, and devotion to others. He was born on August 2, 1952, at Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck, New Jersey, to the late Margaret and Raymond Dressler of Palisades Park, and raised in Cresskill, where he lived throughout his life. He was predeceased by his loving parents and his beloved Aunt Catherine, whose unwavering support shaped the man he became.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Agata, his cherished son Nikias, his brother Raymond and sister-in-law Jeanne, a host of nieces, nephews, godchildren, and lifelong friends like Guy, Jeff, and David, whose children all considered him "Uncle Mike." To his family, he was not only a source of strength but also a wellspring of unconditional love.

Michael's life was profoundly shaped at age seventeen, when an accident on June 6, 1970, just days after his high school prom, left him with a shattered spine and a prognosis that he would never survive the night . Last rites were administered, and doctors told his family he would never walk again. Yet, by the grace of God, the devotion of his parents, brother, and community, and his own indomitable will, Michael not only lived-he thrived. He returned to school, earned degrees from Bergen Community College, Fairleigh Dickinson University, and Seton Hall University School of Law, and began a career in law and public service .

His faith sustained him throughout his life, and the parish of St. Therese of Lisieux in Cresskill was a spiritual anchor. He believed deeply that the true measure of success was not money or property, but the ability to touch people's lives for the better every single day .

At just twenty-two, the people of Cresskill elected him to Borough Council, and soon after he became Mayor. He went on to serve as County Counsel and as counsel to the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority before being elected Bergen County Surrogate in 1996. He would go on to serve the people of Bergen County for nearly thirty years, being re-elected multiple times and becoming one of the most respected constitutional officers in the state.

As Surrogate, Michael transformed the office into a model of compassion and innovation. He created programs that were later adopted statewide . After 9-11, his office led New Jersey by creating temporary guardianships for 137 Bergen County families who had lost loved ones in the World Trade Center attack . During the COVID-19 pandemic, he pioneered remote probate services so that no family would face delays at a time of grief. He oversaw the digitization of centuries of records, introduced satellite offices, expanded probate education to reach over 60,000 residents, and grew a staff he proudly called "the best in the state of New Jersey" .

Michael's service extended beyond Bergen County. He was a proud trustee of Holy Name Medical Center, a member of the Board of Trustees of Rutgers University, a member of the National College of Probate Judges, and a member of the New Jersey Highlands Council . Through his work with One Spirit, he helped bring clean water, youth centers, sustainable farming, and hope to the Oglala Lakota community in South Dakota. Through the Margaret and Ray Dressler Foundation, he supported the Navajo Nation, DigDeep, Make-A-Wish, Smile Train, and countless other charitable endeavors.

One of the greatest honors of his life came in 2025, when he was named Grand Marshal of the Bergen County St. Patrick's Day Parade in Bergenfield . For Michael, it was not only a celebration of heritage but of resilience, hope, and community-the same qualities that defined his journey from a hospital bed to a lifetime of service.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Michael lived with joy, humor, and passion. He was a lifelong Yankees fan, cheering for the pinstripes with the same loyalty and energy he brought to public service. He loved movies, and his favorite, Casablanca, reminded him that integrity and sacrifice never go out of style. At the same time, he had an incredible sense of humor. He could quote lines from Animal House with a twinkle in his eye, and those who knew him best will remember the way he could fill a room with laughter just as easily as he could fill it with wisdom.

Michael touched hundreds of thousands of lives across Bergen County and beyond. He was the kind of man who could walk down the street in places like Talkeetna, Alaska and run into someone he knew and loved. He believed in unity and kindness, often saying there was no Democratic or Republican way to probate a will-only the human way, treating every family with dignity and compassion.

To the very end, his outlook was one of gratitude and hope. As he once said in his own words:

"I have known tragedy and blessing, setbacks and triumphs. I owe everything to God, to my family, and to friends who believed in me when the doctors said there was no hope. Together we have cared for countless families in their darkest hours, and proven that government can serve with compassion and excellence."

Michael R. Dressler's life was a testimony to faith, resilience, and love. He would want to be remembered not for titles held, but for the lives touched, the friendships formed, and the hope he helped to kindle. As Sam Cooke so beautifully sang, "a change is gonna come." For all who loved Michael, that change is found in the compassion, justice, and unity he spent a lifetime working to bring into the world.

Visitation Monday 4-8PM at St. Therese of Lisieux Church, 120 Monroe Ave., Cresskill.  Funeral Mass Tuesday 10AM at St. Therese of Lisieux Church.  Interment Brookside Cemetery.  Arrangements under the direction of Hunt-Stellato Funeral Home, 1601 Palisade Ave. Fort Lee, NJ.