Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill’s Statement on the Passing of Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver

Lieutenant Gov. Sheila Oliver was a long-time, close and dear personal friend of mine, as well as an exemplary mentor and role model for public service for which she had no equal. I am profoundly, deeply saddened by her passing, and share the heartbreak, grief and loss being experienced now by her family, and all whose lives she touched. Sheila Oliver served as an Essex County Freeholder before her historic career in the New Jersey State Assembly, and I had the privilege of working on her campaigns. She was incredibly supportive to me and my career, as well as of my chairmanship of the Montclair Democratic County Committee, and I could always count on her to attend our events.

My wife, Alixon, and I were very honored to have Sheila attend our wedding, where I inadvertently provided her with an opportunity to observe and critique my dancing. Sheila never again let an opportunity pass to remind me of my lack of talent, and woeful inferiority to Alixon, on the dance floor. These are my most cherished memories of our relationship.

In 2017, I had the privilege to work with her on Gov. Phil Murphy’s gubernatorial campaign, which saw her groundbreaking election as Lieutenant Governor. Words fail to capture the enormity of who she was, what she achieved, or the sheer scope of her talent, skill and historic accomplishments. Sheila Oliver leaves behind an extraordinary, unmatched legacy of public service. Our deepest condolences to the Oliver family.