Richard Codey, former New Jersey governor, dies at 79, his family says
Richard Codey, the former governor of New Jersey and the state's longest-serving lawmaker, died early Sunday morning, his family announced.
Codey died peacefully at his home after a brief illness. 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. He served out the remainder of McGreevey's term, which ended in 2006.
"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.
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 until his retirement in 2024. He had returned to the state Senate when his term as governor ended.
"He stepped into the most difficult situations with the Democratic governor stepping aside very sadly in shame in really when we were at our lowest. He restored faith in that office and what government can do in helping people. That was his greatest legacy, in my view," McKeon said.
Gov. Phil Murphy, Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill laud Codey
"If anybody embodied our proud New Jersey values, it was Governor Dick Codey," Gov. Phil Murphy said in a statement, in part. "He proved that every single day of his life. Whether as Governor or as the longest-serving lawmaker in New Jersey history, Dick built a safer, healthier future for all of us. From championing funding for mental health care and stem cell research to advancing smoke-free indoor spaces in New Jersey, Dick protected every one of our communities and sought to cultivate the potential of every one of our neighbors."
Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill said Codey was the genuine article in every way, lauding his work on, among other things, gun safety and substance abuse.
"He truly cared about the people he served," Sherrill said. "I am lucky to call Governor Codey a mentor and a friend. He was there from the beginning when I decided to run for Congress, and again when I decided to run for governor, and I will always carry with me his deep belief that the future of our state is worth fighting for. I'm sending my deepest condolences to his wife, children, and grandchildren whom he loved dearly. Governor Codey will be sorely missed."
McKeon said Codey took him under his wing during his first campaign.
"I literally helped set up the chairs at his first victory party when he was elected as a youngest member of the state Legislature at the time," McKeon said. "What I was really struck by was his humility, his sense of humor, his empathy toward others."
U.S. Sen. Andy Kim, others reflect on Codey's legacy
"Dick Codey understood the importance of service, especially when it was unexpected. He was driven by his values and used that drive to make our state a better place. His legacy is one we're all a part of and we all benefit from," U.S. Sen. Andy Kim said in a post on X.
Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. also offered his condolences to Codey's family.
"Richard Codey was a prominent figure in Essex County and New Jersey for over a half century ... I respected Dick for his ability to get things done and how he always was a staunch advocate for his constituents. I am glad that we dedicated Codey Arena in his honor in 2005 while he was alive so that he could see how much people appreciated him and the impact he had," DiVincenzo said.
The Union County Board of Commissioners said 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."
Codey's family said information about his services will be shared in the coming days.