Dick Codey, the longest serving elected official in state history and one of the few to
serve as both governor and State Senate President – died this weekend.
He was 79.
Codey served as governor for 14 months, assuming the role upon the resignation of Jim
McGreevey on Nov. 15, 2004. (The state did not have a Lt. Governor at the time.) He
served the remainder of McGreevey’s unexpired term, remaining governor until Jan. 17, 2006.
It was the second time Codey had served as governor, though the first – following the
resignation of Gov. Christie Todd Whitman – was just for three days, as he was one of
three men to temporarily serve as governor until McGreevey was inaugurated.
Of course, the Legislature is where he was best known.
Codey, who grew up in West Orange, the son of a funeral director, left the funeral trade
to try his hand in politics in 1973 when he ran for a seat in the State Assembly. He won,
and served there from 1974-82, beginning an incredible 50-year run of public service.
Codey was first elected to the State Senate in 1981 and rose through the ranks to
become Senate President in 2002. He held the role until 2010.
Though Codey often was called the accidental governor, he made the most of his time
in office. Here are some notable actions:
- Codey announced revised nutrition guidelines for all state funded public and
private schools, eliminating soda, candy, and other products with sugar as the
leading ingredient from cafeteria offerings. The law became effective on Sept. 1,
2007. - Codey appointed Mary Jane Cooper to be New Jersey’s first-ever Inspector
General, a position created to root out waste and mismanagement in
government. Codey added $7 million in new funding to agencies devoted to
public accountability, per the recommendations that resulted from an audit of
state ethics codes that he commissioned. - Codey cracked down on pay to play when he signed a law banning campaign
contributions by businesses holding state contracts in several circumstances. - Codey championed a bill to ban smoking from indoor spaces in the state, more money for stem cell research, increased funding for mental health and sports, where he helped negotiate the creation of MetLife Stadium, which was built jointly by the Giants and Jets.
- And shortly before leaving the governor’s office, Codey signed the first legislative moratorium on capital punishment enacted by any state in the nation. The moratorium ended with the permanent ban of capital punishment by Codey’s successor, Jon Corzine.
His family left the following remembrance on Facebook:
“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.
“Gov. Richard J. Codey passed away peacefully this morning at home, surrounded by
family, after a brief illness.
“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.
“We take comfort in knowing how many people he helped, inspired and stood up for
over the years.”
Numerous elected officials and business leaders offered thoughts for Codey, including:
State Sen. President Nick Scutari: “New Jersey has lost a remarkable public servant who touched the lives in meaningful ways of everyone who knew him. The Codey family has lost a beloved husband, remarkable father and devoted grandfather. I have lost a trusted colleague and good friend.
“Dick Codey lived his life with humility, compassion and a deep sense of responsibility. He spoke the truth when others wouldn’t and he fought tirelessly to improve the lives of the people of New Jersey during his record-setting 50 years of service in the Legislature and as Governor. He gained the trust and respect of other public officials and made friends with Presidents just as easily as he did with strangers in all-night diners.
“In this time of sadness, we can take comfort in knowing of the countless people he helped, inspired and stood with over the years. My heartfelt condolences to the Codey Family, his former colleagues, his many friends and those he served.”
Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Gov. Codey, a giant of New Jersey public life whose decades of service shaped our State for the better. A stalwart in the Legislature and a steady hand in the governor’s Office, he long represented the very best of public service, devoting his life to making government work for the people.”
Senate Republican Leader Anthony Bucco: “I’m heartbroken to hear that former Gov. Dick Codey passed this morning. We worked together on many important issues that helped move New Jersey forward, and I came to know him as a true friend and someone who led with humility, kindness, and humor. He leaves behind a lasting legacy of service and integrity that will be felt for generations. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and all those whose lives he touched during this very difficult time.”
Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz: “New Jersey has lost a true legend today. The longest-serving state legislator in our history, no one did more to fight the stigma surrounding mental health or to champion the needs of those living with mental health challenges. His leadership transformed how our state supports individuals and families affected by mental illness and will continue to save lives for generations to come.
“I was honored to serve alongside Gov. Codey as a member of the Essex County Senate Delegation, where I witnessed firsthand his compassion, integrity, and unwavering commitment to public service. My deepest condolences go out to Governor Codey’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.”
N.J. State Chamber CEO Tom Bracken: The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce mourns the passing of former Gov. Richard Codey, a New Jersey icon and one of the most dedicated public servants in our state’s history. Gov. Codey worked closely with the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce throughout his career in public service, including during his time as Acting Governor, Senate Majority Leader, and State Senator. He was a thoughtful and accessible leader who consistently listened to the business community and welcomed ideas focused on economic growth, job creation, and strengthening New Jersey’s competitiveness.
Utility and Transportation Contractors Association CEO David Rible: “Governor
Codey was an incredible public servant who spent the majority of his life working to
make New Jersey a better place. As governor, he helped bring stability during a time of
uncertainty. As a legislator he fought for countless causes while exhibiting a sense of
humor we need to see more of in today’s world. This is a huge loss for the state. May he
rest in peace.”
