Codey Tribute: George Kelder

New Jersey State Funeral Directors Association President George Kelder released the following statement on the death of former Gov. Richard J. Codey:

“The State of New Jersey suffered a profound loss on Sunday with the death of former governor Richard J. Codey.

“Having retired from the Legislature in 2024, Dick Codey was the longest-serving state legislator in New Jersey history, dedicating fifty years of his life to public service.

“During that time, he served with distinction in the General Assembly and the Senate, rose to Senate President, and ultimately answered the unexpected call to serve as Acting Governor. Few public servants leave behind a résumé as long, or a record as consequential.

”Dick was, at his core, a representative of the people. Unapologetic in his loyalty to his constituents and unwavering in his pursuit of what was right. He stood firmly on principle, even when it was inconvenient or unpopular, guided by a deep sense of right and wrong rather than political expediency.

“To me, he was simply ‘Dick’ or ‘Gov.’ He called me ‘kid,’ checked in on the NJSFDA regularly never hesitating to share the knowledge and hard-earned wisdom he accumulated over decades in public life. He believed mentorship mattered, and that experience carried an obligation to be passed along, not hoarded.

A third-generation funeral director, Dick was not only a friend to me, but a friend to funeral service. He understood the profession because he lived it. His passion, tenacity, and clarity of purpose were evident in the issues he took on, especially those that mattered most to working families and everyday people. That connection never faded, no matter how long he served or how high he rose.

While we mourn his passing, we are deeply grateful to have known him, to have stood in his presence, listened to his stories, learned from his counsel, and, most importantly, shared more than a few laughs along the way.

He will be greatly missed, but his legacy of service, integrity, and humanity will endure.