New Jersey Republican Assembly leader Alex Decroce.

• Position: PEOPLE & POLITICS - Obituary - Brief article

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NEW JERSEY REPUBLICAN ASSEMBLY LEADER ALEX DECROCE collapsed and died in the Statehouse moments after the Legislature concluded its final voting session on the night of January 9. Assemblyman Herb Conaway, a physician, tried in vain to revive DeCroce. His death stunned lawmakers and staff who had worked with him late into the night at the end of the lame duck session. DeCroce, who was 75, had served in the Assembly for 23 years and was widely liked and respected on both sides of the aisle. Governor Chris Christie, who considered DeCroce "a dear friend, colleague and mentor," rushed to the Capitol around midnight and embraced Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver. Christie, who was scheduled to deliver his state of the state address hours later, instead gave a poignant eulogy for his...