West Orange Remembers Richard Codey; Ex-Governor Dead At 79

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The passing of former New Jersey governor Richard Codey is being mourned across the state – as well as his hometown area in the Oranges.

Codey died Sunday at home after a brief illness. He was 79-years-old.

The Essex County native 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.”

>> READ MORE: Richard Codey Dies, Mourners Praise State’s Longest-Serving Lawmaker

Codey, a Democrat who also inspired respect from New Jersey Republicans, was born in Orange and raised his family in West Orange. His local legacy was remembered with fondness in Essex County.

“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,” West Orange Mayor Susan McCartney wrote.

“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,” McCartney said, adding that Codey’s “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,” McCartney said.

New Jersey Sen. John McKeon – a former mayor of West Orange – called Codey 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,” McKeon recalled. “It spoke volumes about the kind of man Governor Codey was. This was just one of the thousands of lives which he touched.”

McKeon said that Codey’s “integrity, compassion and unwavering commitment to public service” left a lasting mark on the state and everyone he served, including himself.

“Observing firsthand his empathy, humility and advocacy for those who could not speak for themselves have had a profound and enduring influence on my professional life,” McKeon said.

Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. praised Codey’s half-century of work in New Jersey’s government.

“I respected Dick for his ability to get things done and how he always was a staunch advocate for his constituents,” DiVincenzo said. “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.”

West Orange Communications Officer Joseph Fagan offered some background about Codey’s place in New Jersey history – from a local perspective:

“Since the adoption of the New Jersey Constitution in 1844, only 55 men and one woman have served as Governor of the State of New Jersey. West Orange holds a unique place in that history, having been home to four former governors, more than any other municipality in the state.

“All four served after the 1844 Constitution and began their gubernatorial terms after West Orange became an independent township in 1863.

“The first was George B. McClellan, a Civil War general who arrived in West Orange in June 1863. Although relieved of command following the Battle of Antietam, he later entered public life. He opposed President Abraham Lincoln in the Election of 1864 from West Orange but lost. He later served as New Jersey’s 24th Governor from 1878 to 1881.

“The second was Charles Edison, son of inventor Thomas Edison. Born in 1890 at his father’s Glenmont estate in Llewellyn Park, he is the only New Jersey governor born in West Orange. He served as Governor from 1941 to 1944, during World War II, after holding senior positions in the U.S. Navy Department.

“The third was Brendan Byrne, born in 1924 and raised in West Orange. He was a 1942 graduate of West Orange High School and served as a navigator on a B-17 bomber during World War II before entering public service. He later served two terms as New Jersey’s 47th Governor from 1974 to 1982.

“The fourth was Richard J. Codey, who grew up in Orange and later raised his family in West Orange, where he lived until 2009. He became Acting Governor In 2004 following the resignation of Governor James McGreevey. After serving more than 180 consecutive days in that role, he was formally recognized under state law as New Jersey’s 53rd Governor on January 9, 2006.

“Governor Codey served for decades in the New Jersey Legislature and remained active in public life until his retirement in 2024. He passed away on January 11, 2026, at the age of 79, at his home in Roseland.

“In West Orange, his name remains associated with Essex County’s Richard J. Codey Arena, formerly the South Mountain Arena. Codey’s inclusion among the four governors connected to the township reflects West Orange’s uncommon role in New Jersey’s gubernatorial history.”

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