Former Governor and State Legislature Titan Passes After Brief Illness

Sunday, January 11, 2026, 6:00 P.M. ET. 3 Minute Read, By Jennifer Hodges, Political Editor: Englebrook Independent News,

WEST ORANGE, NJ.- Richard James “Dick” Codey, one of the most enduring and respected figures in New Jersey political history, who served as both governor and the state’s longest-serving legislator, died Sunday morning at age 79 after a brief illness. His family confirmed that he passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by loved ones.

     Codey’s death closes a remarkable chapter in New Jersey’s public life, ending more than five decades of nearly uninterrupted service to the people of the Garden State.

     Born on November 27, 1946, in Orange, New Jersey, Codey entered public service at just 27 years old when he was elected to the New Jersey General Assembly in 1974. Even in his earliest years in Trenton, he developed a reputation as a plain-spoken, pragmatic lawmaker who prioritized constituent service over political showmanship.

     He would go on to hold continuous elected office for the next half-century, first as an Assemblyman from 1974 to 1982 and then as a State Senator beginning in 1982, representing New Jersey’s 27th Legislative District. Over that span, Codey became the longest-serving legislator in the history of New Jersey, retiring in 2024 after fifty years in public office.

     Codey rose to statewide prominence in November 2004, when he assumed the office of governor following the resignation of Governor James E. McGreevey. McGreevey stepped down amid a widely publicized personal scandal, leaving the state in political uncertainty. As Senate President, Codey was next in the constitutional line of succession and became New Jersey’s 53rd governor, serving until January 2006.

     His time as governor was marked by stability, restraint, and a focus on public well-being rather than political ambition. He declined to run for a full term, instead guiding the state through a transitional period while advancing a policy agenda that emphasized mental health care, public health, education, and government integrity.

     One of Codey’s most enduring legacies was his advocacy for mental health reform. Alongside his wife, Mary Jo Codey, he worked to bring mental illness out of the shadows, pushing for expanded treatment access, increased funding, and the removal of stigma for those struggling with mental health conditions.

     Back in the Legislature after leaving the governor’s office, Codey continued to wield influence as a seasoned statesman, serving again as Senate President and remaining one of Trenton’s most respected voices. Known for his accessibility and deep institutional knowledge, he was often sought out by lawmakers across party lines for counsel during moments of crisis.

     In a statement released Sunday, Codey’s family said:

     “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. Governor 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.”

     Details regarding memorial services and public observances are expected to be announced in the coming days.

     Richard Codey is survived by his wife, Mary Jo, their children and grandchildren, and by generations of New Jersey residents whose lives were shaped by his steady leadership and decades of service.

Editor’s Note:

This article has been verified by Jennifer Hodges, Political Editor, Englebrook Independent News. All biographical and historical facts have been confirmed using multiple reputable news outlets and official family statements regarding the passing of former Governor Richard “Dick” Codey.