Obituary of Gary D. Wodlinger

The Honorable Gary D. Wodlinger, 71, of Millville, passed peacefully on the evening of Thursday, November 14th. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Judge Wodlinger grew up in Vineland, New Jersey. As a young man, he spent many hours working for his father, the late Allen Wodlinger, at Wodlinger`s Market, which was located in Elmer. He graduated from Vineland High School in 1971 and continued his education at Boston University, graduating cum laude with his B.A. in 1975. Judge Wodlinger then furthered his education at Western New England College, graduating with his J.D. in 1978. Following graduation from law school, Judge Wodlinger returned home to South Jersey, where in 1978, he became a partner in the law firm of Lipman, Antonelli, Batt, Dunlap, Wodlinger & Gilson. His main concentrations included complex personal injury, complex commercial litigation, and education law. During his tenure as an attorney, Judge Wodlinger was the solicitor and special counsel for many school boards in the area. He was also an active member in the Cumberland County Board of Vocational Education, where he served as Vice-President from 1991-1992 and President from 1992-1999. Additionally, Judge Wodlinger was a member of the American Bar Association, New Jersey State Bar Association (Trustee from Cumberland County 1994-2000), Cumberland County Bar Association (Secretary 1984-1986; Trustee 1986-1991; Vice-President 1991-1992; and President 1992-1993), among other professional memberships. In 2009, Judge Wodlinger was sworn in as a Superior Court Judge in Vicinage 15 until his retirement in November 2022. Over his tenure as a judge, he held assignments in the Cumberland County Family and Criminal Division and the Salem County Family Division. Judge Wodlinger spent much of his time at the New Jersey Motorsports Park, for which he was heavily involved in the entire development as legal counsel. He was a charter member of the NJMP Green Flag Committee Children`s Charity. Judge Wodlinger was also an avid golfer for many years. He enjoyed playing at courses all over the country, and even went so far as to play at St. Andrews in Scotland. Traveling was a joy of his, especially leisurely trips where he could sit by the pool and read a book. Long drives around South Jersey listening to jazz were his way to relax. On a beautiful, warm day, you may have seen him in his "Little Red Car," his 1989 Alfa Romeo Spider, tooling around town. His favorite place to drive and vacation at the Jersey Shore was by far Cape May. A trip to the Lobster House to pick up fresh seafood, no matter the time of year, would equate to a perfect day. Beyond all of the aforementioned, his most cherished enjoyment in life was his family. He was married to his wife, Amanda, for thirty seven years, and loved her with his whole being. He took much pride in the people his children grew to become and treasured the time he got to spend with his grandchildren. Judge Wodlinger was predeceased by his sister, Judith (Wodlinger) Koven. He is survived by his wife, Deborah Amanda Waltman Wodlinger of Millville; his daughter, Rosalyn Wodlinger Polson and her husband, James Polson of Elmer; his son, Allen Wodlinger of Millville; and his grandson and granddaughter. A Funeral home visitation will be held on Saturday, November 23 from 9am to 12pm followed by a funeral service at 12pm from Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland. Interment will follow in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Millville. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to "GFC Children`s Charity" and mailed to GFC, PO Box 126, Millville, NJ 08332. ARRANGEMENTS are under the supervision of Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08360 To send online condolences please visit our website at www.RONEFUNERALSERVICE.com