Associate Justice Vincent S. Haneman

Early Life and Education

Vincent S. Haneman was born in Brooklyn, New York, on April 25, 1902.

He graduated from West Orange High School in 1919 and earned his Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from Syracuse University College of Law in 1923. Haneman was admitted to the New Jersey Bar in 1924 and became a certified counselor in 1928.

Early Career and Civic Involvement

Before entering the judiciary, Haneman built a distinguished record of public service.

He served on the Brigantine Board of Education from 1926 to 1934 and later as Mayor of Brigantine from 1934 to 1942. His leadership in local government led to his election to the New Jersey General Assembly (1938–1944), where he also acted as Counsel to the New Jersey Racing Commission.

Judicial Career

Haneman began his judicial service as Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for Atlantic County in 1944.

He was appointed Vice-Chancellor of the Court of Chancery in 1947 and transitioned to the Superior Court of New Jersey in 1948, where he served in both the Chancery Division (1948–1958) and the Appellate Division (1958–1960).

On November 28, 1960, Governor Robert B. Meyner appointed him as an Associate Justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court, a position he held until his retirement in 1971. Throughout his tenure, Justice Haneman was recognized for his balanced reasoning and commitment to equitable justice.

Professional and Civic Affiliations

Justice Haneman was active in numerous professional and civic organizations, including the Atlantic County and New Jersey Bar Associations, the American Bar Association, the Elks, the Improved Order of Red Men, and Trinity Lodge, F.&A.M.

He was also a member of Sigma Nu, Phi Delta Phi, and Phi Kappa Phi fraternities.

Personal Life and Legacy

Haneman was married to Helen Marris Haneman of Atlantic City. Together they had two sons and six grandchildren.

He retired from the bench on March 1, 1971, and passed away on January 10, 1978, at the age of 76.

His long career embodied a dedication to both community and justice — a hallmark of judicial integrity in New Jersey’s modern era.