Statements on the Death of Nick Acocella

GOVERNOR PHIL MURPHY

“No one covering Jersey politics was more Jersey than Nick Acocella. He was that rare breed who could handicap all the important races, share his favorite pasta recipe, and analyze the Yankees’ lineup — and all within the same five-minute chat. He will be deeply missed by all of us.”

ASSEMBLY MINORITY LEADER JON BRAMNICK

“I hope they have pasta in heaven.  I will miss him.”

NBC NEWS/MSNBC NATIONAL POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT STEVE KORNACKI

“Nick Acocella was the Damon Runyon of New Jersey politics. He wrote about a world full of gloriously imperfect people and he did it with incredible humor, heart and insight. I learned so much from him and was so fortunate to call him a friend.:

STATE SENATOR VIN GOPAL

“I remember first meeting Nick 15 years ago as a college student. His love and creativity for New Jersey inspired so many. He was more than a journalist—he was a friend to countless New Jerseyans. I will miss our conversations, in which I learned so much about our state’s politics and history. His spirit and passion for New Jersey will live on with the tens of thousands he inspired each and every day. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family during this sad time.”

ASSEMBLY SPEAKER CRAIG COUGHLIN

“NJ lost a witty and insightful journalist this weekend. Nick Acocella understood state politics better than most, and will be missed by those of us who knew him.”

MERCER COUNTY CLERK PAULA SOLLAMI-COVELLO

“He was one of the best and most respected political reporters in New Jersey. He had a biting wit and was a true intellectual.”

SENATE PRESIDENT STEVE SWEENEY

“This is a terrible loss for Nick’s family, his many friends and the entire New Jersey political community. Nick was a unique man who possessed an acquired knowledge of how politics really works and an innate understanding of the people who make it work. He was respected and truly liked by everyone. He brought a real passion to all his pursuits, especially baseball, cooking, New Jersey politics and his family.  Nick will be sadly missed, but he will not be forgotten.”

ASSEMBLY JUDICIARY COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN RAJ MUKHERJI 

“‪Nick Acocella was Jersey through and through. For decades, he ‘got the joke’ better than most. His dry wit notwithstanding, his compassion and love of the people he covered led to naming far more winners than losers to his weekly W&L. This is an incredible loss to the Fourth Estate and to our state. Your ‘wags’ will miss you, friend. Rest In Peace.“

MERCER COUNTY EXECUTIVE BRIAN HUGHES

“Nick Acocella was extraordinarily knowledgeable about New Jersey politics, from the State House down to the local level. His reporting style was straightforward, not flashy, and his readers appreciated that. Above all, Nick was always fair. He will be greatly missed.”