In 1996, Asarch was appointed corporation counsel for the City of Long Beach, a position he held until 2000. He was also president of the Nassau County Bar Association from 1999 to 2000, and was director of the Long Beach Lawyers Association. He had been sworn in once again as the association’s director at an installation dinner on Feb. 28.

“Joel earned the respect of all the lawyers and judiciary and everyone he met,” said Corey Klein, the city’s current corporation counsel, who served as an attorney under Asarch. “He was a genuine, caring guy who had the knowledge to back up what he was saying.”

Klein added, “I learned from him that you have to resolve the issue but fight the legal arguments when necessary. Joel was never in front of the picture — he was the consummate guy in the background and wasn’t looking for notoriety, and he was always looking to do the right thing.”

His wife said that Asarch earned respect on both sides of the political aisle. “He was hardworking, and he never had a bad word to say about anybody,” she said. “With my husband, there were no party lines.”

Asarch lived in Long Beach for more than 20 years, and had a deep love for his family and the city he called home, Malky said. The couple celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in November. He was also an animal lover — his wife said that he had adopted a dog with liver disease a few years ago, and was fond of his fish and hamsters.

Asarch was also an adjunct professor at Nassau Community College, having taught in the Legal Studies Department since 1987. He also taught at the Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center starting since 1990.

“He was a warm, loving man,” his wife said, “and he loved to teach.”

Along with his wife, Asarch is survived by a son, Steven; a daughter, Michelle; his mother, Helen, of Long Beach; and two sisters, Sharon and Ilene Asarch.