Politics & Government

Bill Renames Route 53 as Alex DeCroce Memorial Highway

Assemblyman was the main sponsor of a piece of legislation that renewed the Transportation Trust Fund.

Former Assembly Republican Leader Alex DeCroce, who died suddenly last year, was known as the state’s longest-serving assemblyman.

He was the main sponsor of a piece of legislation that renewed the Transportation Trust Fund, so it was appropriate when the Assembly Transportation, Public Works & Independent Authorities Committee unanimously passed a measure on Monday that renames Route 53 after DeCroce.

“I am humbled and proud that the committee unanimously passed this legislation today (Monday),” said his wife, Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce, R-Morris, Essex and Passaic. “I sincerely wish to thank the bill’s bi-partisan sponsors for initiating this measure.”

Alex DeCroce was a lifelong public servant and a former chairman of the transportation committee as well as a strong advocate for crime victims’ rights, according to a press release.

“Alex would have pitched a fit over this because he was not one to flaunt his accomplishments,” said BettyLou DeCroce. “He just wanted to get the job done for the people of his district and the state. Alex was a huge supporter of transportation issues. To have Rt. 53, which runs through his hometown and district, named for him is truly a great honor to his legacy.”

The bill was sponsored by DeCroce’s former running mate, Assemblyman Jay Webber, Assembly Republican Leader Jon Bramnick and Morris County Assembly Republicans Anthony M. Bucco and Michael Patrick Carroll.  

“Serving Morris County’s residents in elected office was a genuine passion for Alex DeCroce and the focus of his life in public service,” said Webber. “Naming Rt. 53 after him is a fitting tribute to a wonderful man and an important reminder to his neighbors that Assemblyman DeCroce worked tirelessly on their behalf for decades.”

Route 53 is a 5-mile long state highway that runs from Route 202 in Morris Plains to Bloomfield Avenue in Denville.

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