Assembly Approves Bill to Rename Route 53 Alex DeCroce Memorial Highway

The New Jersey General Assembly followed in the footsteps of the state Senate Monday by passing a measure to rename Route 53 in Morris County after former Assembly Republican Leader Alex DeCroce of Parsippany, who died suddenly in January 2012. Asw. BettyLou DeCroce, who was appointed and then elected to fill her late husband's seat, released a statement to express her gratitude.

“I extend my sincerest thanks to the bill’s bipartisan sponsors for initiating this measure," said the assemblywoman, who represents District 26, which covers parts of Morris, Essex and Passaic counties.

The Senate approved its version of the legislation in September 2013.

DeCroce said she isn't sure that her husband would share her happiness at the bill's passage by both legislative houses.

"Those who knew Alex know he never sought the limelight," his widow said. "In fact, he would be quite uncomfortable over this because he was not one to flaunt his accomplishments. His only goal was to get the job done for the people of his district and the state."

DeCroce said re-naming the nearly 5-mile, state-controlled thoroughfare, which starts in Morris Plains and runs through Parsippany and Denville, is an appropriate tribute for the late lawmaker.

"Alex was a huge supporter of transportation issues," she said, noting that he was former chair of the transportation committee, prime sponsor of the renewal of the Transportation Trust Fund and a crime victims' advocate. "To have Route 53, which runs through his hometown and district, named for him is truly a great honor to his legacy.”

The bill, S-2580/A-3789,  now heads to Gov. Chris Christie for his consideration.