MIDDLESEX COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CHAIRMAN KEVIN MCCABE
“Laurie and I are absolutely devastated to learn of Commissioner Deputy Director Ken Armwood’s sudden passing. Ken was the future of our Party — a thoughtful leader, an empathetic colleague and one of the kindest, most decent people, who was utterly committed to public service. He was a dear friend and one of my closest confidants. In both his political and professional life, he constantly worked to improve the lives of the underserved, especially the many young men and women who benefitted from his counsel. His passing leaves a gaping hole that will not soon be filled.”
MIDDLESEX COUNTY DEMOCRATIC VICE CHAIR BEATRICE MOSCOWITZ
“Commissioner Deputy Director Ken Armwood represented the best of public service. There was no limit to how far Ken would go to help his community, his constituents and his neighbors. From serving as a mentor to countless young people to working tirelessly on behalf of all our residents, Ken’s death leaves a huge void in all of our lives.”
ASSEMBLY SPEAKER CRAIG COUGHLIN
“Kenneth Armwood was a lifelong public servant. From his election to the Piscataway School Board at age 19 to his leadership as Deputy Director of the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners, he was dedicated to improving schools, supporting local businesses and the arts, and expanding opportunities for education and job training. We see his work shine in the All Children’s Playground at Quibbletown Park, at the Annual Business Summit bringing together business and government partners, and in the vast online programs now available through the Middlesex County Business Portal.
“Ken was a friend to all. He had an infectious, warm personality and a quick smile.
“Ken leaves a lasting impact on Middlesex County that won’t soon be forgotten. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.”
SENATE PRESIDENT STEVE SWEENEY
“The passing of Kenny Armwood is a sudden and tragic loss of a gifted public servant who embraced his service with selfless passion. He possessed a dynamic personality that gained him the trust and affection of his constituents and those he worked with. Everyone Kenny met became his friend and the friendships were genuine because he sincerely cared about people and what he could do to help. This is a terrible loss for Piscataway, for Middlesex County and for everyone in public service. I offer my heartfelt condolences to his family, his colleagues and his constituents on what is a tragic loss for all of us.”
GOVERNOR PHIL MURPHY
STATE SENATOR VIN GOPAL
I am heartbroken over the passing of my friend Kenneth Armwood. Ken was one of the nicest and most decent people I knew. He was a rarity in New Jersey politics – he never said anything bad about anyone and was the epitome of public service and getting involved young. We shared a love of 80s movies like Coming to America – I remember a night, years ago, when we stayed up late watching Coming to America for the hundredth time laughing at every single scene while our other friends in the house looked at us with confusion. He was truly one of the best and so many days I was down and out because of the negativity and vitriol in politics and government, I thought of Ken Armwood and he immediately would lift me up. The good, truly in this case, die young. Rest in Peace Ken.”
STATE SENATOR JOSEPH CRYAN
“I am hoping to read endless tributes to Kenneth Armwood today. I considered Ken to be a friend, but there are so many who knew him so well, and the pain of his loss is palpable in countless communities throughout our state. Ken always had a kind word and was quick to laugh at a joke, but he was also doggedly determined to make sure he was effectively serving the public and giving of his time as he worked for children to receive opportunity and families to get the support they needed. Ken was always first in line to offer his services and support wherever and whenever he could and was such a devoted public servant the line was often blurred between “service” and simply living his life. I’m stunned by this horrible news. But I hope Ken’s friends and his family and all those he served so gracefully and attentively will find solace in the thought that his memory will endure and his good works were so effectively accomplished that they will continue to grow even in his absence.”
ASSEMBLYWOMAN JOANN DOWNEY AND ASSEMBLYMAN ERIC HOUGHTALING
“We are heartbroken to hear of Commissioner Ken Armwood’s passing. He was a dedicated public servant who went above and beyond for the betterment of his community. Ken was also a true friend to all of us here in Monmouth County. He was truly an individual whose light and positivity encompassed everyone in his vicinity, and we will miss his contagious smile and laugh. The work he strived to accomplish will never be forgotten. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”
ASSEMBLYWOMAN YVONNE LOPEZ
“Commissioner Ken Armwood was the embodiment of the servant leader and a role model to elected officials at every level of office in both Middlesex County and throughout New Jersey. Ken’s passion, enthusiasm and dedication to helping his community was infectious and aided him in changing the lives of anyone who had the pleasure of knowing and working with him.
“I will sorely miss Ken’s generosity, genuine friendship and tremendous leadership. May he rest in peace and may we all continue to aspire to the standard of excellence Ken Armwood put forward every single day.
“My condolences and prayers are with Ken’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time.”
SOMERSET COUNTY COMMISSIONER SHANEL ROBINSON
Today we mourn the passing of Middlesex County Commissioner Kenneth Armwood, a gentle man in a time when they are needed so much, a great leader when the community called out for one, and a mentor to thousands who thrived because of him. As he had done for so many others over the years, Kenny sent words of comfort me when my father passed away recently. Kenny was my colleague, my friend, my brother.
RELATED ARTICLES
-
December 31, 2020 -
March 29, 2021 -
April 24, 2020