Richard Codey, the former governor of New Jersey and the state’s longest-serving lawmaker, has died, his family announced.
Codey died peacefully Sunday morning at his home after a brief illness, according to his family. He was 79.
“Our family has lost a beloved husband, father and grandfather — and New Jersey lost a remarkable public servant who touched the lives of all who knew him,” the family said in a Facebook post.
Codey, a Democrat, became acting governor of the Garden State following the resignation of Gov. Jim McGreevey in Nov. 2004 and he served for the remainder of McGreevey’s term.
Codey was first elected to the state assembly in 1973 and served as a state senator from 1984 until his retirement in 2024. He returned to the senate when his term as governor ended.
“Governor Codey devoted his life to public service, spending decades advocating for the people of New Jersey with integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to doing what was right — particularly for those who were most vulnerable. His leadership, humility, and courage left a lasting mark on our state and set an example for generations of public servants,” the Union County Board of Commissioners said in a statement.
“He lived his life with humility, compassion and a deep sense of responsibility to others. He spoke the truth when others wouldn’t and fought tirelessly for the people of New Jersey during his record-setting 50 years in the Legislature. He made friends as easily with Presidents as he did with strangers in all-night diners,” his family said.
The family said information about his services will be shared in the coming days
Christine Sloan
contributed to this report.
