By Frank Sinatra
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, as well as Acting Governor Nicholas Scutari, shared their thoughts yesterday on the passing of Sheila Y. Oliver, Lieutenant Governor of the State of New Jersey, who was admitted to Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston on July 31 for treatment of a long standing illness and passed away on Aug. 1.
“Tammy and I, and our children, are incredibly saddened and distraught to learn of the passing of our dear friend, colleague, and partner in government, Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver,” wrote Murphy in an online statement. “When I selected her to be my running mate in 2017, Lieutenant Governor Oliver was already a trailblazer in every sense of the word. She had already made history as the first Black woman to serve as Speaker of the General Assembly, and just the second Black woman in the nation’s history to lead a house of a state legislature. I knew then that her decades of public service made her the ideal partner for me to lead the State of New Jersey. It was the best decision I ever made.
“She brought a unique and invaluable perspective to our public policy discourse and served as an inspiration to millions of women and girls everywhere, especially young women of color. Beyond all of that, she was an incredibly genuine and kind person whose friendship and partnership will be irreplaceable.” We ask that you all keep the Oliver family and all those who knew and loved her in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
“This is a heartbreaking loss for all of us who knew and admired Sheila Oliver,” added Acting Governor Scutari via press release. She touched the lives of countless people as a dedicated public official who worked tirelessly to improve opportunities for others. She has a record of accomplishment that is unmatched.
“Sheila was a trailblazer who broke through glass ceilings to become the first woman of color to serve as Assembly Speaker and as Lieutenant Governor. I believe she will continue to be an inspiration for generations of young people.”
Additional details on Lieutenant Governor Oliver’s passing and memorial arrangements will be shared at a later date.
