NJ Assemblyman, Former Union County Chairman Dies At 79

PLAINFIELD, NJ — New Jersey Assemblyman Jerry Green (D-22) of Plainfield died Wednesday at 79 years old, State Senator Nick Scutari announced.

"Today, I join with many across Union County and New Jersey in mourning the passing of my friend, Jerry Green," Scutari said. "He was so much more than just a colleague and mentor to succeeding generations of politicians – he was a true gentleman legislator who should be remembered for championing progressive policies aimed at helping those in need."

"Tammy and I are extremely saddened to learn of the passing of Assemblyman Jerry Green, whose advocacy and love for Union County and his home of Plainfield was unquestioned," NJ Governor Phil Murphy said. "While Jerry could be tough as nails, he was also a gentleman, whose bigger-than-New Jersey smile and quiet humor could easily light up a room,"

Green resigned as chairman of the Union County Democratic Committee "to focus his energy on recovering from an illness" on Jan. 24 and endorsed Scutari to take over his position. Scutari was sworn in on Feb. 21.

“Leading the Democratic Party in Union County has been an incredible experience. I will never forget the stunning and historic victories we’ve all worked so hard together to achieve," Green previously said. "In fact, it’s a source of great pride that we have more Democrats elected in Union County today than we’ve ever had in our history. But, the party is larger than one person, and Democrats in Union County need to rally together and keep what’s really important at the forefront."

Green was elected as chairman in June of 2013 where he set an early priority of investing more of the party’s resources and energy into rebuilding the party within suburban communities. During his chairmanship, Democrats not only maintained their record of winning all countywide elections, but also scored wins in Scotch Plains, Garwood, Cranford, Springfield, Roselle Park, Kenilworth; along with the historic wins in Summit, Westfield, and Berkeley Heights.

Along with serving as chairman, Green had previously served on the Union County Board of Freeholders from 1982 to 1984, again in 1989 to 1991 and as chair in 1990.

"Jerry Green was an innovator, a trailblazer and the most influential African American leader ever to come from Union County," said Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. "As a mentor to myself and so many other elected officials in Union County, Jerry set the example on how to live a life in politics and government with dignity, humility, and grace. Our condolences go out to his family, and we ask that all Union County and residents of the State of New Jersey please keep him and his family in their thoughts and prayers."

Green was elected to the General Assembly in 1992 where he served until his death. He also served as Speaker Pro Tempore from 2008 until present, Deputy Speaker Pro Tempore from 2004 to 2007 and Deputy Speaker from 2002 to 2003.

"Jerry was a star athlete who passed on college to get trained and certified as a union-shop butcher. He went on to open his own businesses, including a popular tavern, as well as manage residential properties," Scutari said. "And even though those seeking the highest offices would come to him for advice and counsel, he never forgot what was most important to him – his family, and the pride he had in them. I will miss him and am proud to say I was his friend."

Plainfield Councilwoman-at-Large Rebecca Williams also shared her condolences for Green.

(Image via NJ Legislature: Jerry Green)

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