Statement by the Morris County Board of Freeholders on the Passing of State Sen. Tony Bucco

Published on September 17, 2019

The Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders offer our deepest sympathy to the family of State Sen. and former Morris County Freeholder Tony Bucco, who regrettably passed away last night.

(JPG, 12KB)We were privileged over many decades to be touched by his kindness, warmth and friendship.

The Senator, who also served as an Assemblyman and Boonton Mayor and Alderman, consistently demonstrated his commitment to the economic, educational, cultural, and social welfare of his hometown, his district, his county, and his state.

This former U.S. Army Reservist was a strong patriot and a particularly passionate advocate of working families in Morris County, never forgetting his humble roots, and paying close attention to the needs of his constituents.

Sen. Bucco also was devoted to his family: Helen, his wife of more than 50 years; his son, Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco, and his daughter-in-law, Amy, and their six children.

Statement by Freeholder Director Doug Cabana: Tony always showed a passion for the needs of our county residents and worked tirelessly on their behalf, whether in Boonton, Morris County or the Statehouse in Trenton. We regret the passing of our former colleague and offer our condolences to his family. God bless him. May he rest in peace.

Background: Tony Bucco was born on Feb. 24, 1938 to Flora and Rocco Bucco, and was a lifelong resident of Boonton, where he served on the Board of Adjustment and Planning Board. He served as an elected Alderman from 1978-83 and as Mayor from 1984-89.

A veteran of the U.S. Army Reserves, he was the longtime owner of the Baker Adhesives manufacturing company in Paterson.

He was elected to the New Jersey Assembly in 1995 and elected to the New Jersey State Senate in 1998, where he introduced many bill on behalf of his constituents, including Terry's Law'' and the Safe Haven Protection Act, which were signed into law.

Tony Bucco also was very active in many civic organizations, such as UNICO, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, Prevention is Key, and was a member of organizations ranging from the Korean War Veterans Memorial to the State Fire Safety Commission.

(JPG, 731KB) Sen. Bucco during his Freeholder Board days

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