State Sen. Tony Bucco Dead At 81

BOONTON, NJ — State Senator Tony Bucco died on Monday, a representative for the family said. He was 81.

"It is with great sadness I share that Senator Tony Bucco suffered a major heart attack this morning at his home. He passed peacefully this evening with his family by his side at Saint Clare’s Hospital in Denville. The family kindly asks for privacy at this time," Michael DuHaime, spokesman for the Bucco family, said on Monday night.

Bucco represented New Jersey's 25th district as a Republican for more than 20 years. Before being elected to the State Senate, Bucco served as mayor of Boonton from 1984-1989, as a Morris County Freeholder from 1989-1992, and a State Assemblyman from 1995-1997. Upon election to the State Senate, his son, Anthony M. Bucco, was elected to his father's old seat in the Assembly.

During his tenure in the State Senate, Bucco served on the following committees: Select Committee on Economic Growth Strategies; Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens; Labor; and Intergovernmental Relations Commission.

In addition to his political work, Bucco was the president of Baker/Titan Adhesives, a Paterson-based company. He was on the board of directors of the Boonton Baroque Orchestra, the board of trustees of the Saint Clare's Health Services Foundation, and an advisory board member for Roots & Wings.

Bucco was a lifelong resident of Boonton, where he lived with his wife, Helen. The couple had one son, Anthony M. Bucco. In addition to his wife and son, Bucco is survived by his grandchildren.

He was a self-described family man. When asked what one thing voters might not know about him, Bucco told Patch, "I enjoy spending time with my grandchildren and taking them on vacation and golfing when I have some spare time."

New Jersey lawmakers spoke highly of Bucco, praising his commitment to public service.

Gov. Phil Murphy issued the following statement Monday night:

For 41 years, Anthony Bucco, Sr., served the people of Morris County and the State of New Jersey at all levels, from the Boonton Council to the State Senate. He took on issues small and large, including one of his last laws, to ensure that schoolchildren learned ways to prevent and escape sexual abuse, a bill I was proud to sign just two months ago. A dedicated public servant and successful businessman, Senator Bucco brought a perspective and commitment to his work that elevated our public discourse. Tammy and I send our thoughts and prayers to Senator Bucco’s wife of six decades, Helen Jayne; his son, Assemblyman Anthony Bucco, who now holds the Assembly seat his father once occupied; his family; former colleagues; and friends.

"I am unbelievably saddened by the passing of my good friend Tony Bucco. He was a leading voice in Morris County politics for more than 40 years and in Trenton for more than two decades. He was a gentleman who earned trust on both sides of the aisle by being a man of his word," Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean said on Monday. "Most importantly, he was a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather. On behalf of the entire Senate Republican caucus, I extend our condolences to all who knew and loved Tony Bucco. He was a great man and a great friend who will be sorely missed."

"Our state has lost a one of the most honorable leaders in the Legislature," Assembly Republican Leader Jon Bramnick said in a statement. "A true public servant and statesman, Tony served our state with class and dignity. He was a man of decency and integrity, who treated everyone with respect and earned the respect of everyone who knew him. I have always admired the Bucco family and their commitment to public service and to our state. My sincere condolences to his wife Helen and to his son, who is my good friend and colleague, Assemblyman Tony Bucco, and his entire family during this incredibly difficult time."

Chester Township Councilman Mike Inganamort spoke highly of Bucco, writing, "So terribly sad to hear about the passing of Senator Tony Bucco, a wonderful friend, fierce advocate for Morris County, and exceptionally talented legislator. This is a loss for Chester Township and all of New Jersey. Our deepest prayers are with the Bucco family in this very difficult time."

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.