Goodbye to the Great Michael Aron
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.
******
Please take a look at Michael Aron’s performance in this classic 2001 NJN gubernatorial debate, courtesy of the Eagleton Institute:
These days, it’s easy to forget journalism can be an honorable profession. Michael never forgot – and reminded the rest of us.
Nicely done tribute, Max. So sad.
Brother Michael took the time to sensitize Jerseyans to the Caboose of Commerce:
the private servants of the restaurant industry, from dishwasher to operator
A Man of Calm Passion and Compassion
Thank You So Much
Beautiful write up, Max. The loss of a legend. This one hurts
Impossible to believe Michael is gone. Brilliant and irreplaceable to the core.
Very sad news. I never met Michael Aron but he was a true professional.
New Jersey residents were fortunate to have Michael Aron as one of their journalists.
Next level for Michael Aron, I have no idea.
Personally, I would hope he is happily discussing New Jersey politics with his dear friend Nick Acocella.
SUGGESTION….google….Nick Acocella. Michael Aron
Watch Pasta and Politics and find out why Michael came to NJ.
Bless both of these great men.
Kent Manahan former NJN News Anchor
August 18, 2024
Michael always scoped out the top political
news of the day. Other journalists were left
to follow his lead. Michael’s reporting was
based on fact and always reflected opinion
from both sides of the aisle. He was an outstanding example of journalism at its highest level.
Michael mentored many young up and comers,
deciphered New Jersey politics for viewers
and loved every moment of his beat.
We teamed up for countless debates, political conventions, election nights, breaking news,
and even years ago as reporters in a Denzel Washington movie, filmed in Philadelphia and
in our NJN News studio in Trenton.
Goodbye my good friend and news colleague.
You have left a legacy of exemplary journalism.
Great tribute to a great guy. He was a fixture in the State House who helped provide transparency to the rough and tumble New Jersey political arena. He shed light on every administration from Brendan Byrne to Chris Christie. He was the dean of a talented group of State House reporters whose number have sadly diminished with the decline of print journalism.
He was one of NJ most recognized journalist and always got it right. Rest in Peace and you have been missed since you left doing the news. When you spoke we listened. God bless you and your family.