Reactions are pouring in Monday on social media following the death of former New Jersey Gov. Dick Codey, 79, who died Sunday at home after a brief illness, according to his family.

Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. announced the memorial bunting outside of the South Mountain Recreation Complex and Richard Codey Arena, named for him in 2005.

"Whether as Governor or as the longest-serving lawmaker in New Jersey history, Dick built a safer, healthier future for all of us," Gov. Phil Murphy said.

Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill said, "I will always carry with me his deep belief that the future of our state is worth fighting for."

Senate President Nick Scutari said, "New Jersey has lost a remarkable public servant who touched the lives in meaningful ways of everyone who knew him."

"He would divert from his duties of state to coach a basketball game,” said John Wisniewski, attorney and former state legislator. “That put him in a rare company of state leaders – but also, just showed how grounded he was. No matter how important his civic functions were, he never forgot the importance of helping our children.”