Assemblyman Kevin J. Rooney (R-Wyckoff) of New Jersey’s 40th Legislative District released the following statement on the death of former State Senator Ronald L. Rice:

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Senator Ronald Rice, a determined and dedicated public servant who devoted his life to helping his constituents and New Jerseyans across the state. Senator Rice served our great nation in Vietnam in the United States Marine Corps, served his community as a police officer and detective in the City of Newark, and served his constituents as a Senator with the utmost integrity and responsiveness. Few, if any, of my colleagues in my time in the Legislature can match Senator Rice’s commitment to helping his fellow man. He had the fortitude to stand up to political machines and keep the power in the hands of the voters. I extend my deepest condolences to the Rice family and will fondly remember a true role model for all public servants.”