Richard Codey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Richard Codey
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Codey in 2011
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| 53rd Governor of New Jersey | |
| In office November 15, 2004 – January 17, 2006 |
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| Preceded by | Jim McGreevey |
| Succeeded by | Jon Corzine |
| In office January 12, 2002 – January 15, 2002 Acting |
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| Preceded by | John O. Bennett (acting) |
| Succeeded by | Jim McGreevey |
| Member of the New Jersey Senate from the 27th district |
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| In office January 10, 1982 – January 9, 2024 |
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| Preceded by | Carmen A. Orechio |
| Succeeded by | John F. McKeon |
| 111th and 113th President of the New Jersey Senate | |
| In office January 8, 2008 – January 12, 2010 |
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| Preceded by | Bernard Kenny |
| Succeeded by | Stephen Sweeney |
| In office January 8, 2002 – January 7, 2008 Serving with John Bennett (January 8, 2002 – January 13, 2004)
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| Preceded by | Donald DiFrancesco |
| Succeeded by | Bernard Kenny |
| Minority Leader of the New Jersey Senate | |
| In office January 13, 1998 – January 8, 2002 |
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| Preceded by | John A. Lynch Jr. |
| Succeeded by | Leonard Lance (2004) |
| Member of the New Jersey General Assembly from the 26th district |
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| In office January 8, 1974 – January 12, 1982 |
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| Preceded by | Constituency established |
| Succeeded by | Leanna Brown Dean Gallo |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Richard James Codey
November 27, 1946 Orange, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Died | January 11, 2026 (aged 79) Roseland |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Mary Rolli
(m. 1981) |
| Education | Fairleigh Dickinson University (BA) |
Richard James Codey (born November 27, 1946) was an important American politician from New Jersey. He served as the 53rd Governor of New Jersey from 2004 to 2006. Mr. Codey was a member of the Democratic Party. He spent many years working in the New Jersey Senate, from 1982 to 2024. He was also the President of the Senate from 2002 to 2010. He represented the 27th Legislative District, which included parts of Essex County and Morris County. Richard Codey was the longest-serving state legislator in New Jersey's history. He worked in the New Jersey Legislature for a very long time, from January 8, 1974, to January 9, 2024. He died on January 11, 2026.
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Growing Up and School
Richard Codey grew up in Orange. His family owned a funeral home. He went to several schools, including Our Lady of the Valley High School, Orange High School, and Oratory Preparatory School. He graduated from Oratory Prep.
When he was young, he helped his father with his work. This taught him responsibility early on. Later, he became a licensed funeral director, just like his father. In 1981, he earned a college degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Starting in Politics
In 1973, Richard Codey decided to enter politics. He was first elected to the State Assembly. This is one part of New Jersey's state government. He served in the Assembly from 1974 to 1982.
Serving in the State Senate
Richard Codey was elected to the State Senate in 1981. The State Senate is the other part of New Jersey's government. He worked his way up to become the Senate President. This is a very important leadership role. He was Senate President from 2002 to 2010.
Back to the Senate
Richard Codey became the acting governor of New Jersey in 2004. This happened after Governor Jim McGreevey resigned. He served as governor until January 17, 2006.
After his time as governor, Mr. Codey chose to return to the New Jersey Senate. He was re-elected in 2007. He continued to serve the people of New Jersey in the Senate.
Governor of New Jersey
First Time as Acting Governor (2002)
In 2002, Richard Codey briefly served as acting governor for three days. This happened after Governor Christine Todd Whitman resigned. He was one of several Senate Presidents who stepped in during that time.
Governor from 2004 to 2006
Mr. Codey became acting governor again on November 15, 2004. This was after Governor Jim McGreevey resigned. He served until January 17, 2006.
During his time as governor, he made several important changes:
- Healthy Schools: In 2005, he introduced new rules for school cafeterias. These rules removed sugary drinks and candy from schools. This helped students eat healthier.
- New Lieutenant Governor Role: A new law was passed to create the job of lieutenant governor of New Jersey. This position helps the governor and takes over if needed.
- Official Governor Title: In 2006, a law made it so that someone who serves as acting governor for a long time (over 180 days) would officially be called "Governor." This made Richard Codey the 53rd Governor of New Jersey.
- Fighting Waste: He created the first Inspector General position in New Jersey. This person's job was to find and stop waste or mismanagement in the government. He also worked to prevent unfair political donations.
- Important Laws: Governor Codey supported laws to ban smoking indoors. He also helped get more funding for important research and mental health services.
- New State Slogan: He asked citizens for ideas for a new state slogan. The winning slogan was "New Jersey: Come See for Yourself."
- Sports Stadium: He helped with the plans for MetLife Stadium. This stadium is home to the New York Giants and New York Jets football teams.
Acting Governor Again (2007)
On April 12, 2007, Richard Codey became acting governor one more time. This was because Governor Jon Corzine was injured in a car accident. Mr. Codey served until Governor Corzine was able to return to his duties on May 7, 2007.
Family Life
Richard Codey was married to Mary Jo Codey. They had two sons, Kevin and Chris. Richard Codey died at his home on January 11, 2026, at the age of 79.
His Legacy
Richard Codey left a lasting impact. In 2004, an ice rink in West Orange, New Jersey, was renamed the Richard J. Codey Arena in his honor. This arena is a popular place for hockey teams, including youth teams and college teams. It was also once a practice facility for the New Jersey Devils.
