Literally hours before former Gov. Richard Codey’s passing, I was meeting with a constituent who shared a touching story about how Dick mentored his son and the profound impact he had on his life. While there is much to celebrate in the life and accomplishments of Richard Codey, his empathy and connection with people will be his greatest epitaph.
I have known Dick since I was a starstruck middle school student who wanted to meet the youngest member ever elected to the State Assembly. I helped to set up chairs at the Orange Elks where he held the first of 40 years of election night victory parties. I have firsthand witnessed his integrity, compassion and unwavering commitment to public service. Words come to mind such as empathy, humility and advocacy. He had a sharp sense of humor and unbidding love of family.
With a career that spanned over five decades, it would take volumes to chronicle his legislative accomplishment. The primary architect of the Casino Control Act, the rules for the gaming industry in our state came from his pen. As we celebrate the World Cup coming to New Jersey this summer to settle its soccer championship, it was Dick Codey who was instrumental in coaxing the Giants — he was a Jet fan — to Jersey. That started it all.
Frustrated with the State and their failure to properly serve those with serious persistent mental illness, he went undercover at the Marlboro Psychiatric Hospital, which was the touchstone for regulatory reform and appropriate levels of resources.
Paraphrasing from his description of that experience, he was most touched by individuals whom he met thinking of their parents whom all had aspirations for them at birth, and that a decent society should at least provide them with dignity. His lifelong advocacy for vulnerable individuals was accentuated by the love of his life, Mary Jo. As first lady, she shared her own postpartum experiences, removing the stigma that will be long-lasting. (I was there when Gov. Codey took a poke at a certain disrespectful radio host).
For the 18 months he served as Governor, taking over with the public’s perception of that office at an all time low. Dick was able to draw on his instincts, guile and self-deprecation to become one of our most popular governors. The selflessness of stepping aside after restoring faith and order was another crowing achievement.
Mentoring young people was long a passion of Gov. Codey’s combining his love of basketball with the influence as a coach he made an indelible impression through two generations of young men.
His greatest gift to me was imbuing the responsibility as an elected official to speak for those who have no ability to speak for themselves. To make a difference in the lives of those who don’t even know your name. His was a friendship I will always cherish as he was a remarkable man who made a lasting impact on my life and the lives of all New Jerseyans.
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