Former New Jersey governor Brendan Byrne dies

[Dennis Donovan]

Source: NorthJersey.com

Former New Jersey governor and member of the state's Hall of Fame Brendan Byrne died Thursday at the age of 93.

In addition to serving as governor from 1974 to 1982, Byrne served as deputy Attorney General, Essex County prosecutor and a Superior Court Judge.

Born in West Orange, he served in World War II and graduated from Princeton University and Harvard Law School. He was the father of seven children.

"On a personal note, Mary Pat and I express our deepest condolences to his wife Ruthie and his entire family," Gov. Chris Christie stated. "I considered Governor Byrne a mentor and a friend. My life is richer for having known him as I am sure are the lives of every person who had the privilege to meet him."

Incoming Gov. Phil Murphy said New Jersey lost "one of its most beloved and distinguishable favorite sons."

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Read more: http://www.northjersey.com/story/news/new-jersey/2018/01/04/former-new-jersey-governor-brendan-byrne-dies/1005829001/

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[George II]

1. To be honest, when he was elected I wasn't impressed, but he turned out to be one of the best...

...NJ governors over the last 40+ years. A very effective leader for NJ.

[BumRushDaShow]

2. Wow. Didn't realize he was still around

He was an iconic governor of my neighboring state.

R.I.P.

[H2O Man]

3. He was governor

at the time when evidence was uncovered, which resulted in Rubin and John getting a retrial. He was always open to communicating with those of us defending Carter. I still have letters from him from then. I always respected him.

[Laxman]

4. Will They Grant His Wish....

and bury him in Hudson County so he can remain active in politics? I hope so-even though he was a West Orange guy through and through. It would be fitting. Nice man. Wicked sense of humor. He loved New Jersey. Appreciated more for his accomplishments after he left office. Only Tom Kean came close to his stature as governor in my lifetime and as for the buffoon who is about to leave office-he shouldn't even be mentioned in the same sentence with Governor Byrne. The man who couldn't be bought-he was the Essex County Prosecutor at a time when the mob was extremely active and his honesty was legendary. He was the county prosecutor just before I joined the office and he had a bevy of "his guys' that I had the good fortune to work with who all went on to distinguished legal careers after public service. "One Term Byrne" defied the pundits and went on to a second term where he racked up a series of legacy accomplishments. If nothing else, he left the memorial of setting aside over 1 million acres of the Pinelands as a preserve. He did so much more. He was sharp right up until the end. Even now, almost 40 years after he last held office, he'd walk into a room and people would gather around him and shout out "Hey Governor!" There was just something about him that people liked. I last saw him in November and he looked frail but he still had a couple of jokes and a kind message to pass on to my dad as he always did. Kind of sad to think he has passed on but he had a good long run and a good life. Not much more you can ask for.

[The Wizard]

5. I met him several times

Once at a political Christmas party I saw him standing so I gave him my seat. I'd see him at local eateries and once at the Veterans Hospital.
After leaving office, he said the best part of being ex governor was people waved at him with all five fingers. He graduated Princeton in two years and did law school in two years. He only had four years of education benefits under the GI Bill. He also flew 51 combat missions on a B-17 bomber in WW II. A great man.