Longtime federal judge and lawyer from N.J. dies Updated Feb 28, 2021; An announcement Saturday on the website of the law firm, Walsh, in which he worked shared condolences, but did not state when he died. “Joel was a wise counselor and dear friend to all who came to know him during his time in private practice, his many years of public service on the federal bench, and as a mediator and arbitrator,” the announcement on the website of Walsh Pizzi O’Reilly Falanga said. “Joel is survived by his wife Elizabeth, the love of his life, by his federal court family, and by the many young lawyers he mentored throughout his career.”