New Jersey Mourns Death of Assemblyman Alex DeCroce

New Jersey lawmakers and citizens are mourning the death of one their colleagues who suddenly died in the State House on Monday.

Assembly Minority Leader Alex DeCroce collapsed on the floor and died on the final day of legislation for New Jersey on Monday. Assemblyman DeCroce, 75, had been a legislator for 23 years.

"He was one of the most kind, considerate, and trustworthy people I have ever had the pleasure to know. He was an enormously accomplished legislator and a tremendous servant to the people of New Jersey," said Governor Chris Christie in a statement issued Tuesday morning, according to the Wall Street Journal.

DeCroce was the longest serving member of the assembly and close friend to Governor Christie. Christie knew DeCroce for nearly 20 years and gave him credit for starting his political career.

"This is an enormous loss for our state and for me personally," said Christie. His state of the State speech set for Tuesday was canceled. 

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DeCroce's fellow lawmakers expressed their remorse at the untimely loss of their coworker.

"Alex was a true leader for the Republican caucus in the Assembly, and was loved and respected by legislators of both chambers, on both sides of the aisle....It is hard to believe we will start a new legislative session without his wit, charm, and energy," said Republican State Senator Tom Kean Jr. in a statement.

"I lost a good friend," Assemblyman Anthony Bucco Jr. said, according to the Star-Ledger. "We have a giant void in leadership as a result of his passing."

DeCroce is survived by his wife, BettyLou, the Deputy Commissioner of New Jersey's Department of Consumer Affairs, and several children and grandchildren.

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