BOONTON, NJ (Morris County) – New Jersey State Senator Anthony R. Bucco (R-Morris) died on Monday. 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 Monday night.
Bucco served New Jersey as mayor of Boonton, a Morris County Freeholder, a state Assemblyman and a state Senator.
Bucco has been Senator since 1998 and Conference Leader since 2019. He was the Republican Budget Officer from 2009-2018, Deputy Minority Leader from 200820-09, Assistant Minority Leader from 2006-2007, Co-Republican Majority Leader from 2002-2003, Assistant Majority Leader from 2000-2001; General Assembly from 1995-1998, and Assistant Majority Whip from1996-1998.
He also served on the following committees: Select Committee on Economic Growth Strategies, Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens, Labor and Intergovernmental Relations Commission.
Bucco was the president of Baker/Titan Adhesives, a Paterson-based company.
“Senator Bucco leaves behind an enduring legacy of public service and selfless leadership. His sudden passing comes on the heels of his courageous fight with cancer. The State of New Jersey is no doubt a better place for his tireless work in the state legislature. The thoughts and prayers of the entire NJGOP family is with the Bucco family,” NJGOP Chairman Doug Steinhardt said in a statement.
“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,” Governor Phil Murphy said in a statement.
