Former Governor Brendan Byrne has passed away, Save Jerseyans.
New Jersey’s inaugural income tax and the legalization of casino gambling marked the Democrat’s two terms in office between 1974 to 1982. His prior career as a prosecutor earned him a reputation as a guy who couldn’t be bought by the state’s criminal and corrupt elements.
Governor Chris Christie announced Byrne’s passing on Thursday evening:
“It is with great sadness that I inform all New Jerseyans that Governor Brendan T. Byrne has died today. Governor Byrne was 93 years old.
Governor Byrne had an extraordinary career of public service. He served as counsel to Governor Meyner, Deputy Attorney General, Essex County Prosecutor, Superior Court Judge and two-term Governor of New Jersey. He did each of those jobs with integrity, honesty, intelligence, wit and flair. He cared deeply for the state’s environment, led the charge for the development of the Meadowlands Complex and for the establishment of casino gaming in Atlantic City.
He served his country in World War II and went on to graduate from Princeton University and Harvard Law School.
He was the proud father of seven children and was a treasure to his home state where, in 2011, he was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame.
On a personal note, Mary Pat and I express our deepest condolences to his wife Ruthie and his entire family. 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.
We ask all New Jerseyans to put Governor Byrne and his family in your prayers tonight.”
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