Ex-NJ Gov. Richard Codey Dies, Mourners Praise State’s Longest-Serving Lawmaker

Richard Codey, the former governor of New Jersey, died Sunday at home after a brief illness. He was 79-years-old.

Codey, an Essex County native and Democrat, served as the 53rd governor from 2004 to 2006. He also served for five decades in the New Jersey Assembly and Senate, making him the longest-serving lawmaker in Garden State history.

Codey’s family announced his passing in a social media post, mourning a “beloved husband, father and grandfather” – and adding that New Jersey lost a “remarkable public servant who touched the lives of all who knew him.”

“He lived his life with humility, compassion and a deep sense of responsibility to others,” Codey’s family wrote. “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,” Codey’s family said.

Over his career in the Legislature, Codey became known for being a hands-on lawmaker: the type that went undercover at homeless shelters and psychiatric homes to check up on the conditions. He was also a supporter of assisted suicide, appointed New Jersey’s first-ever inspector general to help ferret out government waste and mismanagement, and signed the state’s first moratorium on capital punishment.

The long-time lawmaker retired from the Senate in 2023 after winning the Democratic primary election.

“Time to step aside and watch the next generation do their thing,” he said.

Codey wore a lot of hats over his lifetime. He was a third-generation funeral director and insurance consultant, and will be remembered as a husband, father, grandfather and friend to many.

He has also made headlines apart from his professional life, serving as a youth basketball coach and helping to rescue a woman from a serious accident on I-195 in 2022.

Codey’s passing inspired an outpouring of messages from mourners in his home state.

Gov. Phil Murphy praised Codey’s championing of mental health care and stem cell research, as well as his advancement of smoke-free indoor spaces.

“If anybody embodied our proud New Jersey values, it was Governor Dick Codey,” he said.

Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill also mourned Codey’s passing,

“As governor, in the assembly, and in the state senate, he used his power to expand mental health resources, implement stronger gun safety laws to protect communities, and bolster substance abuse treatment and prevention programs,” Sherrill wrote.

“I will always carry with me his deep belief that the future of our state is worth fighting for,” she added.

The former governor was known for standing firm for Democratic party causes, but also inspired respect from Garden State Republicans.

“Known for his colorful, straightforward style, advocacy for mental health reform (including founding the Codey Fund for Mental Health with his wife Mary Jo), banning indoor smoking, restricting ‘pay to play’ political contributions, and other progressive policies, Codey was widely respected across party lines as a dedicated public servant who ‘embodied New Jersey values,’” the NJ Federation of Republican Women wrote.

Other people mourning for Codey included:

U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer – “New Jersey lost a giant today. Governor Codey was not only a great leader of our state, but also a friend to so many of us in public service. His lifelong commitment to NJ set the standard. My heart is with his family, friends, and all those mourning his loss. May his memory be a blessing.”

New Jersey Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin – “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Governor Richard J. 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. Tish and I extend our condolences to his family.”

New Jersey Senate 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.”

New Jersey Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz – “New Jersey has lost a true legend today. Governor Codey was a loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, passionate basketball coach, a proud Seton Hall fan, and a tireless public servant who dedicated his life to the people of New Jersey. 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.”

New Jersey Sen. John McKeon – “Governor Richard J. Codey was a legend. Just yesterday, I was meeting with a constituent who shared a touching story about how Governor Codey mentored his son and the profound impact he had on his life. It spoke volumes about the kind of man Governor Codey was. This was just one of the thousands of lives which he touched. His integrity, compassion and unwavering commitment to public service left a lasting mark on our state and on everyone he served, especially myself … I had the honor of serving alongside him in the Legislature for nearly 30 years, a partnership and friendship I will always cherish. He was a remarkable man.”

Morris County Board of County Commissioners – “Dick will always be remembered for championing the cause of our most vulnerable citizens, particularly those with mental illness. Any recounting of his extensive legacy must include Dick’s endless campaigns to reform New Jersey’s mental health system, which led to the shuttering of failed institutions where many had suffered abuse rather than assistance.”

Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. – “Richard Codey was a prominent figure in Essex County and New Jersey for over a half century, serving as an Assemblyman, Senate President and Interim Governor. 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. My condolences go out to his family.”

West Orange Mayor Susan McCartney – “I am deeply saddened by the passing of former Governor Richard J. Codey, a devoted public servant who dedicated his life to the people of New Jersey. Governor Codey led with compassion, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the common good, particularly in his advocacy for mental health and the most vulnerable among us. His legacy of service will be felt for generations. On behalf of the Township of West Orange, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his remarkable life.”

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka – “Governor Cody was a friend who supported me early on, when few did. He was committed to people, always looking for ways to make their lives better. And he was incredibly loyal. He will be missed by those who considered him a friend, as well as those who respected him from the other side of the legislative aisle … May all of us carry his life forward through his example of never being pretentious or acting as though he was above others. It was his humility and kindness that made him not just a good politician, but a good person.”

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