University Mourns the Passing of Alumnus and Former Governor Richard J. Codey
(Photo: Elena Mitchell)
January 12, 2026 — FDU alumnus and former New Jersey governor and legislator Richard J. Codey passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at the age of 79.
Codey was the longest-serving state legislator in New Jersey’s history; he also served as president and co-president of the senate and was the state’s 53rd governor from 2004–06. He retired from the New Jersey Senate in 2024.
“His love for FDU was immense, and he often credited the University with helping him to advance his career and better serve others. He stayed very close to the University, and, among his many deeply impactful efforts, he created the Governor Richard J. Codey Scholarship, which has raised significant money to support FDU students focused on mental health education,” said University President Michael Avaltroni.
Among many notable governmental efforts, he was ahead of his time in championing support for those suffering from mental health issues, and he sponsored legislation to cut health care costs while protecting the quality of care. In 2017, he presented the University with a “stigma-free” designation at the Florham Campus, launching stigma-free discussions and providing support.
(Photo: Elena Mitchell) FDU President Michael J. Avaltroni presents former governor Richard J. Codey with FDU’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Codey was highly decorated by the University, receiving a Lifetime Achievement award in 2024, a PINNACLE Award in 2011, and a Doctorate of Humane Letters in 2005.
He was inducted as a member of the DIII Devils Hall of Fame as a contributor and had a classroom dedicated to him in Hennessy Hall.
“We will remember his inspirational spirit and service, his heartfelt consideration, his warm smile and sense of humor, and his down-to-earth demeanor,” said Avaltroni. “We will cherish his memory and all that he gave to the University and so many others in New Jersey and beyond.”