Richard Codey, the previous governor of New Jersey and the state’s longest-serving lawmaker, died early Sunday morning, his household introduced.
Codey died peacefully at his dwelling after a short sickness. He was 79.
“Our household has misplaced a beloved husband, father and grandfather — and New Jersey misplaced a exceptional public servant who touched the lives of all who knew him,” the household stated in a Fb put up.
Codey, a Democrat, turned performing governor of the Backyard State following the resignation of Gov. Jim McGreevey in Nov. 2004. He served out the rest of McGreevey’s time period, which led to 2006.
Jeff Zelevansky/Bloomberg through Getty Photos
“He lived his life with humility, compassion and a deep sense of accountability to others. He spoke the reality when others would not and fought tirelessly for the individuals of New Jersey throughout his record-setting 50 years within the Legislature. He made buddies as simply with Presidents as he did with strangers in all-night diners,” his household stated.
Codey was first elected to the New Jersey State Legislature in 1973 as an assemblyman representing communities in Essex and Morris counties. He served as a state senator from 1984 till his retirement in 2024. He had returned to the state Senate when his time period as governor ended.
“He stepped into probably the most troublesome conditions with the Democratic governor stepping apart very sadly in disgrace in actually once we had been at our lowest. He restored religion in that workplace and what authorities can do in serving to individuals. That was his best legacy, for my part,” McKeon stated.
Gov. Phil Murphy, Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill laud Codey
“If anyone embodied our proud New Jersey values, it was Governor Dick Codey,” Gov. Phil Murphy stated in an announcement, partially. “He proved that each single day of his life. Whether or not as Governor or because the longest-serving lawmaker in New Jersey historical past, Dick constructed a safer, more healthy future for all of us. From championing funding for psychological well being care and stem cell analysis to advancing smoke-free indoor areas in New Jersey, Dick protected each one in all our communities and sought to domesticate the potential of each one in all our neighbors.”
Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill stated Codey was the real article in each approach, lauding his work on, amongst different issues, gun security and substance abuse.
“He actually cared in regards to the individuals he served,” Sherrill stated. “I’m fortunate to name Governor Codey a mentor and a good friend. He was there from the start after I determined to run for Congress, and once more after I determined to run for governor, and I’ll all the time carry with me his deep perception that the way forward for our state is value preventing for. I am sending my deepest condolences to his spouse, youngsters, and grandchildren whom he liked dearly. Governor Codey might be sorely missed.”
McKeon stated Codey took him underneath his wing throughout his first marketing campaign.
“I actually helped arrange the chairs at his first victory celebration when he was elected as a youngest member of the state Legislature on the time,” McKeon stated. “What I used to be actually struck by was his humility, his humorousness, his empathy towards others.”
U.S. Sen. Andy Kim, others mirror on Codey’s legacy
“Dick Codey understood the significance of service, particularly when it was sudden. He was pushed by his values and used that drive to make our state a greater place. His legacy is one we’re all part of and all of us profit from,” U.S. Sen. Andy Kim stated in a put up on X.
Essex County Government Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. additionally provided his condolences to Codey’s household.
“Richard Codey was a distinguished determine in Essex County and New Jersey for over a half century … I revered Dick for his means to get issues achieved and the way he all the time was a staunch advocate for his constituents. I’m glad that we devoted Codey Enviornment in his honor in 2005 whereas he was alive in order that he may see how a lot individuals appreciated him and the affect he had,” DiVincenzo stated.
The Union County Board of Commissioners stated Codey “devoted his life to public service, spending a long time advocating for the individuals of New Jersey with integrity, compassion, and an unwavering dedication to doing what was proper — notably for many who had been most susceptible. His management, humility, and braveness left a long-lasting mark on our state and set an instance for generations of public servants.”
Codey’s household stated details about his providers might be shared within the coming days.
