Longtime NJ Senate Republican Gerald Cardinale Dead At 86

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Flags across the state will fly a little lower today after the death of longtime New Jersey Senate Republican Gerald Cardinale.

Cardinale died Saturday at the age of 86 after a brief illness, the New Jersey Senate GOP said. It was not coronavirus related.

Gov. Phil Murphy was one of many figures in state politics to make a statement in the wake of Cardinale's death. He ordered flags across the state to fly at half-staff Monday.

"Tammy and I were extremely saddened to learn of the passing of Senator Gerry Cardinale, a true public servant," said Murphy.

"Senator Cardinale’s 54-year record of public service to the state of New Jersey speaks to the level of trust his constituents placed in him. Our condolences go out to his family, friends, and colleagues in the Legislature. All flags will be lowered to half-staff on Monday when the Senate returns to session."

Tammy and I are extremely saddened to learn of the passing of Senator Gerry Cardinale, a true public servant. His 54-year record of public service speaks to the level of trust his constituents placed in him. Our condolences to his loved ones and colleagues in the Legislature. pic.twitter.com/3Rr037XRSL
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) February 20, 2021

Cardinale's tenure in the state legislature is longer than any other in the state's history excluding Sen. Richard Codey.

Senate President Steve Sweeney called Cardinale an "institution," and former Gov. Chris Christie said he was a "dear friend" of his family.

"Gerry was a faithful & tough public servant and the people of his district benefited from his service for over 40 years," said Christie. "He will be missed."

It is a sad day for the State of New Jersey and the @NJGOP. Mary Pat & I mourn the passing of our dear friend State Senator Gerry Cardinale. Gerry was a faithful & tough public servant and the people of his district benefited from his service for over 40 years. He will be missed.
— Governor Christie (@GovChristie) February 20, 2021

Cardinale began his political career in Demarest, where he served on the Board of Education before he was elected Mayor in 1975.

He served in the General Assembly from 1980-1981. He moved to the Senate in 1982, where he held the 39th Legislative District's seat until his passing.

Cardinale is responsible for noteworthy state legislation centered around the safety of children, and punishment for those who hurt them.

He co-sponsored Joan's Lawn, which denies parole to anyone convicted of killing a child under 14, and also co-sponsored Megan's Law, which mandates the state to notify residents when a registered sex offender moves into their neighborhood, NJ.com reports.

NJ.com called Cardinale "unabashedly right-leaning," and he often stood as a direct opponent of measures he found too liberal. He supported the death penalty and voted against gay marriage in 2012.

"The essential characteristic of a marriage, the very definition of the term, is it involves at least one male and one female," he said at the time. "Do not break with thousands of years of civilized tradition. This bill opens Pandora's box."

Fellow Bergen County Senator Loretta Weinberg often found herself in opposition to Cardinale, but said they shared a common bond: Bergen County and wine.

"I join with many others today in mourning the death of my long-time colleague, Senator Gerry Cardinale. While we disagreed on many issues, we found common interest and purpose when it came to serving the people and institutions of North Jersey and Bergen County, whether regarding infrastructure and mass transit, or supporting the preservation of New Bridge Landing, in which we worked together with a mutual respect for the history of Bergen County and the state of New Jersey," she said.

"I can safely say the only time I ever allowed him a proxy vote was when he was selecting the wine because he was quite the connoisseur. I will miss him dearly."

Cardinale was born on Feb. 27, 1934. A dentist by trade, he graduated with a chemistry degree from St. John's University, and attended dental school at New York University.

He opened a practice in Fort Lee, and also dipped his toes into the real estate market there, building the city's first multi-floor office building, which is now known as Fort Lee Plaza.

He is survived by his wife, Carole, five children and four grand children.