[LETTERHEAD OF STIFEL, NICOLAUS & COMPANY, INCORPORATED] May 12, 2010 VIA FACSIMILE AND EDGAR - ----------------------- (202) 772-9216 Securities and Exchange Commission 100 F Street, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20549 Re: Colonial Financial Services, Inc. Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration Number 333-165532) Request for Acceleration of Effectiveness Ladies and Gentlemen: In accordance with Rule 461 of Regulation C promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, we hereby join Colonial Financial Services, Inc. in requesting that the effective date of the above-referenced Registration Statement be accelerated so that it will become effective at 12:00 noon on May 14, 2010, or as soon thereafter as may be practicable. Very Truly Yours, Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated /s/ Robin Suskind ---------------------------------------- Name: Robin Suskind Title: Managing Director