SENATE PRESIDENT STEVE SWEENEY
“I am terribly saddened at the passing of Peter Barnes. He was a truly honorable man who gained the respect and admiration of every life he touched in a lifetime of service to others and to the institutions of government that serve those in need. From his hometown of Edison, to the legislative chambers of the Senate and Assembly, and the halls of justice, Peter distinguished himself with his intelligence, compassion and humility.
“He was the sponsor of legislation creating the two percent property tax cap, and I know he was particularly proud of his bill creating the Dismal Swamp Preservation Commission to save a thousand acres in Metuchen, South Plainfield and his beloved Edison. He fought for an increase in the minimum wage, for a law to establish a task force to reduce sexual assaults on college campuses and for legislation to require substance abuse recovery housing, among other notable issues.
“Peter advanced the legacy of the Barnes family he was devoted to and who loved him. It was a natural progression when he succeeded his father in the Assembly. I had the good fortune to be Peter’s colleague and friend when he became a Senator.
“I extend my sincere condolences to his wife Katie, mother Barbara, two sons Jack and Kenny, daughter Megan, and the entire Barnes family during this time of grief. We share in their loss.”
GOVERNOR PHIL MURPHY
“Peter Barnes III proudly continued his family’s legacy of service – a legacy which began with his father, the legendary FBI agent and longtime Assemblyman for whom we was named. As a member of both the Senate and Assembly, and on the Edison Council before, Pete garnered a reputation as a detail-driven lawmaker who put the need for good policy before the desire for a quick headline. A workhorse, not a showhorse. The things that made him a good legislator and beloved colleague also made him a model judge in our Superior Courts for the past nearly five years.
“He was, simply put, a good man who wanted to see good things come from his work. He could find the light in any situation, with a tremendous talent for storytelling – a Barnes family trait.
“Tammy and I are heartbroken for his wife, Katie, and their three children. We are also keeping his mom, Barbara, in our prayers today, along with all who knew Pete and those who served alongside him. He has been taken from us all far too soon.”
MIDDLESEX COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CHAIRMAN KEVIN MCCABE
“It is with a heavy heart and immense sorrow that I learn of the death of Judge Peter Barnes III. Judge Barnes was the quintessential public servant – a man who served his community and Middlesex County with honesty and fortitude as a local elected official, a legislator and as a distinguished jurist.”
“Judge Barnes was a member of a family that dedicated itself to improving the lives of the people of our state. He, his father and brother were shining examples of what selfless public service truly means. On behalf of Laurie and the entire Middlesex County Democratic Organization, my prayers go out to Judge Barnes’ mother, wife and children during this extraordinarily difficult time. “
ASSEMBLY MAJORITY LEADER LOUIS GREENWALD
“I was saddened to learn the news of the passing of Judge Peter Barnes. I had the honor of serving with him in the Assembly, where I knew him as a honorable, kind and dedicated public servant. My condolences go to the Barnes’ family during this difficult time.”
SENATE MINORITY LEADER THOMAS KEAN, JR.
“For the past 25 years, Judge Barnes has honorably served New Jersey. From his time as a councilman in Edison to his recent service on the bench, Peter lived up to the family tradition of public service exemplified by his father and brother.
“I remember how proud he was upon taking the oath of office in the Senate to have the opportunity to build upon that legacy. His wife, Katie, his children, and his family should be proud of all he accomplished.”
NEW JERSEY SIERRA CLUB DIRECTOR JEFF TITTEL
“Our hearts go out to Peter’s family. Senator Barnes was a champion for the environment. He fought to save the Dismal Swamp and to expand the Delaware and Raritan Canal. As an Assemblyman and Senator, he was a leader when it came to fighting climate change, cleaning up toxic sites, and more. He pushed for a Coastal Commission, worked on the Global Warming Response Act and more. The Sierra Club endorsed Senator Barnes in every race he ran in the state legislature. We gave him an Achievement award because he not only stood up for the environment, he fought hard every day to protect it.”
“As you drive around Middlesex County and see open space, clean air and clean water, that is part of Peter’s legacy. He dedicated his life to make New Jersey a better place. Peter was a wonderful person and a good friend. We would have dinner and drinks every so often and have a great time talking about politics and sports. He’d come over my house for single malt scotches. He was really one of the most decent people you would ever meet in politics or anywhere. He will be missed.”
ASSEMBLY SPEAKER CRAIG COUGHLIN
“We mourn the loss of Judge Barnes today. It was an honor to know and serve with him in the Legislature. He was a dedicated public servant whose love for NJ and its residents helped lead to important reforms throughout the state.
“Throughout his career and in the numerous positions Peter served within the State, he impacted many. His influence was vast and his contributions to New Jersey and its communities will be lasting. My heart goes out to his wife Katie and his children.”
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