Former Governor Brendan Byrne has died at age 93, according to a report from NJ.com.  A native of West Orange, Byrne served as the 47th Governor of New Jersey from 1974 to 1982.

Governor Christie announced Byrne’s passing in a statement released today saying ‘on a personal note, Mary Pat and I express our deepest condolences to his wife Ruthie and his entire family. I considered Governor Byrne a mentor and a friend. My life is richer for having known him as I am sure are the lives of every person who had the privilege to meet him.’

Byrne’s career in public service included serving as counsel to Governor Meyner, Deputy Attorney General, Essex County prosecutor, and Superior Court judge.  A World War II veteran, he attended both Princeton University and Harvard University.