PHOTO: A moment of silence was held this afternoon just before Assembly members were sworn into office. DeCrose complaiend of pain in his arm before he collapsed following a long session last night. 

A bouquet of flowers sat on the 75 year old’s Statehouse Chamber desk today, as Governor Christie delivered an eulogy for the Republican he called a close friend and mentor who suddenly died.

A fellow Assemblyman, Herb Conaway, a Doctor, rushed to DeCroce’s aid moments after he collapsed, but resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful. Conaway pronounced him dead.

The State of the State Address was postponed till next week.

Photo by the Lakewood Shopper.