NJ Flies Flags At Half-Staff For ‘Career Public Servant’ From Newark

NEWARK, NJ — A “career public servant” from Newark was honored Wednesday when New Jersey flew U.S. and state flags at half-staff in his honor.

Gov. Phil Murphy issued an executive order that flags fly at half-staff at all state buildings and facilities in remembrance of Anthony M. Villane Jr., who died last week.

According to a statement from the governor’s office:

“Dr. Anthony M. (‘Doc’) Villane Jr., a Newark native, served in several New Jersey public service roles following his time as a captain in the United States Air Force for three years. Before being appointed by Governor Tom Kean in 1988 as commissioner of Community Affairs, Dr. Villane served as the Long Branch Republican municipal chair, the Long Branch Board of Education, and eventually the New Jersey General Assembly, where he ascended to several leadership positions and championed New Jersey’s coastal communities, fought illegal dumping and sponsored legislation to provide lasting sources of funding for shore protection. He later continued his public service career at the federal level by joining President George H. W. Bush’s administration as regional administrator of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for the New York and New Jersey Region.”

“Dr. Anthony M. Villane Jr. was a career public servant whose history of leadership, his many achievements, and his exemplary legacy, should be honored and recognized throughout the state,” Murphy said.

“My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all who loved him,” Murphy added. “He was truly a great man.”

Villane is survived by his wife, Sarah, and his five children, nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

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