Obituary of Michael Aaron Rockland

Michael Aaron Rockland, a longtime Rutgers University professor and writer, died on March 22, 2026.

Michael was a resident of Morristown for thirty-eight years, and before that a resident of Princeton. A professor emeritus of American studies at Rutgers University, he taught there for over fifty years, starting the American studies department and chairing it as well. Over his career, Michael received numerous teaching and civic awards, including the Mary C. Turpie award for outstanding teaching from the American Studies Association, the Warren L. Susman award for teaching from Rutgers University, and the Richard J. Hughes award for contributions to the public knowledge of New Jersey history.

New Jersey was a principal focus of Michael's journalism and scholarly publications. He co-wrote with Angus Kress Gillespie "Looking for America on the New Jersey Turnpike," which won a New Jersey State Library recognition. He also wrote "The George Washington Bridge: Poetry in Steel," and "The Other Jersey Shore: Life on the Delaware River." A novel, "A Bliss Case," was chosen as a "Notable Book of the Year" for 1989 by The New York Times.

Michael was a contributing writer to New Jersey Monthly from its inception in the 1970s until the present, writing on such diverse state topics as its diner culture, its image, and the Rutgers football team. His ability to talk with anyone and his boundless curiosity made his life of teaching and writing a joy for him.

Born in the Bronx, New York, he attended Lehman College as an undergraduate and the University of Minnesota for his Ph.D. Michael served in the United States Navy in Japan before serving as a cultural officer in the United States Foreign Service, with postings in Argentina and Spain.

He is survived by his wife Patricia Ard and his five children: David Rockland, Jeffrey Rockland, Keren McGinity, Kate Gillan, and Joshua Rockland, as well as thirteen grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

Arrangements are under the care of Burroughs, Kohr & Dangler Funeral Home, Madison, NJ/