Michael C. Sudol Jr.

Michael C. Sudol Jr. of Metuchen, New Jersey, died peacefully at his home on March 7, 2026, at the age of 89 following a short battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born on January 12, 1937, in Passaic, New Jersey, to Michael C. Sudol Sr. and Mary A. Ryzowitz, Michael was raised in Wallington and graduated as valedictorian of the East Rutherford High School class of 1954. He went on to earn a degree in chemical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He later received a juris doctor from Seton Hall University School of Law.

Michael began his career with brief positions at E.I. DuPont and Co. and Schering-Plough before joining Merck & Co. in Rahway, where he spent 33 years as a patent law attorney. He rose to become director of international litigation for intellectual property, specializing in patent prosecution and litigation, and played a key role in defending Merck’s pharmaceutical patents. He retired in April 1997. He also served three months in the U.S. Army Chemical Corps at Fort Dix, followed by more than five years in the Army Reserves.

A devoted family man, Michael was married to his wife, Carol, for 63 years. The couple met at a hot dog roast at Fairleigh Dickinson University and wed in 1963. They settled in Metuchen in 1968, where they raised their two daughters. Michael cherished time with his family at the beach on Long Beach Island, sharing a special bond with his grandson that included train travel, bike rides, and simple pleasures like fudge and clam chowder. He was an avid world traveler, accomplished hiker, and passionate skier who continued the sport until age 82. His love of trains was lifelong; he rode countless rail lines across the United States and abroad, documented his journeys with photographs, and maintained an extensive collection of model trains.

Michael gave generously of his time to his community, serving four years on the Metuchen Zoning Board and volunteering for at least a decade with AARP tax preparation at the Senior Center. He was a longtime member of the Jersey Central Railroad Club, Miramar Ski Club, Appalachian Mountain Club, and a parishioner of St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Carol; his sisters, Monica Weinfeld of Huntington Beach, California, and Madeline Pavel of North Arlington, New Jersey; his daughters, Wendy Sudol of Englewood, Colorado, and Karen (Sudol) Faverzani of Holmdel; his son-in-law, Bill Faverzani; his 11-year-old grandson, William; and eight nieces and nephews.