Former NJ Governor and longest serving legislator Richard Codey dies

Former Governor and State Senator Richard J. Codey, the longest-serving lawmaker in New Jersey history who assumed the top job while New Jersey was in the midst of a tumultuous scandal, died Sunday morning following a brief illness. He was 79 years old.

His family announced his death on social media on Sunday.

“Our family has lost a beloved husband, father and grandfather – and New Jersey has lost a remarkable public servant who touched the lives of all who knew him,” they wrote.

Codey died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, they said.

“He lived his life with humility, compassion and a deep sense of responsibility for others,” they wrote. “He spoke the truth when others wouldn’t and fought tirelessly for the people of New Jersey during his record 50 years in the Legislature. He made friends as easily with presidents as he did with strangers at all-night dinners.”

The colorful Roseland Democrat took office as a state lawmaker at the age of 27. He became a state senator in 1982 and President of the Senate in 2002. After the resignation of Governor James E. McGreevey in November 2004, Codey served as governor of New Jersey from November 2004 to January 2006 before resuming his position as President of the Senate.

When Codey announced his decision to retire from the state Senate in 2023, he wrote on his website: “I fought for who and what I believe in, even though it wasn’t easy. I’ve made lifelong friends and enemies – and I’m proud of both lists!

Codey was born in 1946 and graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University with a bachelor’s degree in education. He was a licensed funeral director and insurance broker and operated his family’s funeral business: Codey Funeral Home in Caldwell and Codey & Mackey Funeral Home in Boonton.

As acting governor, Codey championed the state’s indoor smoking ban, created the state’s first inspector general position, and signed laws restricting “pay to play” contributions from companies that had sought state contracts. He and his wife have also campaigned to raise awareness of mental health in a series of public service announcements.

“I think we focused on issues that people could relate to, and I think they could relate to me,” he told The Record and NorthJersey.com when he announced his retirement. “One of my favorite memories as governor is when you went to the movies, or you went to a restaurant or dinner, people would stand up and applaud. It’s pretty cool.”

Officials across the state expressed their condolences.

“Richard Codey was a prominent figure in Essex County and New Jersey for more than half a century, serving as a member of the Assembly, President of the Senate and Acting Governor,” said Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., Essex County Executive, in a statement. “I respected Dick for his ability to get things done and for the way he was always a strong advocate for his constituents. I’m glad we dedicated Codey Arena in his honor in 2005 while he was alive so he could see how much people appreciated him and the impact he had.”

Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco (R-25) said in a statement that he was “heartbroken” to hear the news of Codey’s death.

“We worked together on many important issues that helped move New Jersey forward, and I came to know him as a true friend and someone who led with humility, kindness and humor,” he said. “He leaves behind a lasting legacy of service and integrity that will be felt for generations. »

Codey leaves behind his wife, Mary Jo, and two sons.

Check back later for this continuing story.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Former New Jersey Governor and State Senator Richard J. Codey Dies