Former NJ Gov. Richard Codey, the longest-serving legislator in state history who had two brief stints leading the state, has died aged 79 after a brief battle with an unspecified illness.
“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,” a statement put out by his family Sunday read in part.
The Democrat served 14 months as governor following the high-profile resignation of James McGreevey in 2004, following his sex and corruption scandal.
Former New Jersey Gov. Richard Codey has passed away. He was 79. AP
Codey had a brief tenure as acting governor after Gov. Christine Todd Whitman resigned in 2001. Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com
Acting Governor Richard J. Codey shakes hands with a guest as cast members of “The Sopranos” James Gandolfini and Steve R. Schirripa stand in the back, at the governor’s mansion in Princeton, N.J. in 2005. ASSOCIATED PRESS
Codey also had a brief tenure as acting governor after Gov. Christine Todd Whitman resigned in 2001.
Codey spent 50 years in Trenton, representing the Garden State’s 26th District in the state assembly between 1974-1982, and the 27th from 1982 until he announced his retirement in 2023.
He announced he wouldn’t seek re-election just two months after he defeated Sen. Nia Gill in a primary contest for his long-held seat, though he said at the time it was not for health reasons.
He served 14 months as governor of the Garden State following the high-profile resignation of James McGreevey in 2004. Jeff Zelevansky for NY Post
Codey, center, shares a laugh with Toni Sirico, left, and Steve R. Schirripa, both cast members of “The Sopranos”, at Drumthwacket, the governor’s mansion, in Princeton, N.J., on Dec. 9, 2005. AP
Codey was the longest-serving legislator in state history. Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK
New Jersey acting Gov. Richard Codey serves turkey dinners in the rain at an outdoor soup kitchen at St. John’s Roman Catholic Church in Newark, N.J., on Nov. 24, 2004. ASSOCIATED PRESS
“I’m not sick. I’m not dying or any of that bulls–t,” Codey told the New Jersey Monitor following his announcement. Adding that he was “lucky and grateful” to have his health.
“He lived his life with humility, compassion and a deep sense of responsibility to others,” the family statement continued.
“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.”
