A genuine people-person who loved his home state and ably stepped up to take the executive helm in a crisis, New Jersey Governor Richard J. Codey of Essex County - the state's longest-serving state lawmaker - has died.

He was 79.

A proud son of the City of Orange, a political professional with a twinkle in his eye and populist demeanor, Richard Codey, Democrat, restored trust to the office when he served as the 53rd Governor of New Jersey for 14 months following the resignation of James McGreevey.

His kind and personable manner touched many lives. While naturally disposed to work with others and look for common ground, Governor Codey routinely stood up to powerful figures, both in his own party and across the aisle. In 2008, he bucked the Democratic Party establishment when he joined the Obama Presidential movement. A compromiser and dealmaker, he was also courageous in his pursuit of justice, especially for the weak and the vulnerable.

From his statewide perch, Governor Codey led New Jersey in the area of mental health research and awareness. Throughout the years subsequent, he consistently advocated for mentally ill and mentally at-risk New Jerseyans.

Governor Codey and his wife, former First Lady Mary Jo Codey, in 2012 founded the Codey Fund for Mental Health. 

“Throughout my 50 years in public service, I’ve witnessed the transformative power of compassionate mental health care,” Governor Codey said. “Far too many families struggle in silence, and it’s our collective responsibility to offer meaningful help and hope. These grants directly support the outstanding organizations on the front lines, working tirelessly every day to improve lives and strengthen our communities.” 

Governor Codey was first elected to the General Assembly in 1973 at 27 years old. After serving 10 years in the Assembly, he was elected to the Senate, where he

served for 42 years, including eight years as Senate President.

“Public service is about making a difference in the lives of people. It’s about working together to create a better future for everyone,” Codey said in a statement upon his 2023 retirement from the state senate. “I’ll miss that — the hope and promise of doing something great for people every day. And I’ll miss you — the people who voted for me and the people who didn’t.”

Inveterate sports fan, movie lover, basketball coach, and Essex diehard, proud and loving husband, whose compassion for people stemmed in part from his work in the family funeral business, where, in his own words, removing accident victims from train tracks at a young age caused him to "grow up quick," Codey - "The Guv," always somehow seemed to keep his feet on the ground, the signature of his leadership, and a green sash at the ready for every Irish Parade.

"Dick Codey was above all else a good and decent man," said DNC Committeeman Tom Barrett. "The 'Guv' was relentless in caring for those who couldn't fend for themselves. Both combative and kind, Dick loved a good fight, a good joke and he loved his life and his family. The state of New Jersey loved him in return. His passing marks an end of era and his memory will be a blessing."

PLEASE GO HERE FOR THE 'POLITICS, PUBS, PARADES, AND THE PARISH' PODCAST WITH 'THE GUV.'

PLEASE READ INSIDERNJ'S LAST INTERVIEW WITH GOVERNOR CODEY HERE

FOR A STAEMENT FROM OUR PUBISHER, PLEASE GO HERE.

TODAY'S (FULL) Statement from the Codey Family: