Michael Aron. Even just writing the words of his name now comes with some sense of pain.

A few more words today about this man, this substantive human being.

He embodied excellence, integrity, maturity, and gravitas. He loved his profession and inspired others around him to experience the joy and importance of being a reporter.

In the words of one NJN colleague from years ago, “Mike’s so great, that working for him makes me want to be great.”

The whole press corps worked for Mike Aron. When he served as the host of Reporters Roundtable, he gave all of us a seat at that table and a place of respect. He spoke to everyone, especially the young reporters – no, actually, especially everyone – with reassurance, kindness, humility, and authority.

Critically and always, he respected his audience. He respected the viewers, the readers, and the news

consumers. He respected the voters and the people of New Jersey. He never indulged an egotistical moment, an unprofessional moment, or a moment of mediocrity.

It hurts to think of him not around anymore, with his sleeves rolled up, running through the halls of the Statehouse, as an elder statesman working harder than anyone else to supply news to the citizens of our state. It feels less secure to not have him there, that handsome face, the sonorous voice, the insightful take, the alive, analytical mind, the man, the professional, the pioneer of Statehouse Cool, firmly footed in the world he helped create.

Through the worst days, Mike Aron’s New Jersey could always fall back on the unimpeachable excellence of one man, educated here in part at one of the world’s finest institutions of higher learning, civilized, refined, urbane, and a worker in the truest sense, a great conversationalist and communicator, and mostly a great listener, whose wise presence, like his colleague so many years ago said, made everyone want to do a little better – to honor him.

He was that good. He was that special. He was that great. A public servant to our civic core. Don’t forget, New Jersey, Mike Aron, friend, leader, mentor, reporter, legend.

Maybe another time will come when we can write something more personal. For now, let’s just say…

Farewell, Michael Aron.

Forever grateful.