Joseph Seneca, revered expert on New Jersey’s economy, dies at 77

Joseph J. Seneca, an economist who spent decades advising New Jersey governors of both parties, died on November 27 after a long illness. He was 77.

Seneca joined the Rutgers Economics Department as a professor in 1967, and later served as department chair and vice president of Academic Affairs.  He was serving as the University Professor Emeritus at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at the time of his death.

He served on the New Jersey Council on Economic Advisors, where he was the longtime chairman.

Seneca, who became an expert on New Jersey’s post-suburban economy, was best known for more than 30 years as the co-editor of the Rutgers Regional Report, which offered analysis of state economic issues.

He is survived by his wife and son.