Political commentator Dr David Rebovich died this morning after suffering a heart attack. The statement from Rider University President Mordechai Rozanski:
It is with profound sorrow that I inform you of the untimely passing of Dr. David Rebovich, associate professor of Political Science and director of the Institute for New Jersey Politics at Rider University. David was the most well-known and respected voice for political insight in the state of New Jersey and a beloved member of the Rider community.
David suffered a massive heart attack this morning while teaching his Political Science 102 Class in the Fine Arts Building on the Lawrenceville campus. The Lawrence Township ambulance was called and administered CPR before taking him to Helene Fuld Hospital in Trenton, where he died a short time later.
A loss of this magnitude cannot be expressed in words. David's contributions to our community, his passion for his work and his love of teaching were unsurpassed. [...]
The thoughts and prayers of the entire University community are with David's family.
Mordechai Rozanski
President
Statement from NJ Democratic party chair Joe Cryan:
"This is a stunning and terrible loss to the entire political and academic community. "David Rebovich was one of a kind. He was an academic who understood the real world of New Jersey politics and he was a political scientist who knew that politics is much more than science. "He provided insight and perspective to New Jersey politics, which is no small achievement, and he did it with as much passion as intelligence. He will never be replaced, but we should remember that his legacy will include all the students he taught and inspired."
Gov Corzine:
"David Rebovich was a widely respected presence in New Jersey's political scene, offering insight that was universally acknowledged as nonpartisan, fair and vital to the public discourse. During a lifetime in politics, David Rebovich's enthusiasm and idealism never waned.
"His legacy is the thousands of students in whom he instilled a passion for politics and a belief in the potential of the political process to change people's lives.
"Above all, David Rebovich loved New Jersey and devoted his life to his state. He will be dearly missed, and his family is in our thoughts and prayers."
Senate Republican Leader Leonard Lance:
"It is sad when someone who still has so much more to contribute passes away. David was not content to be a secluded observer, he was a hands on political scientist. He understood and appreciated that politics is a contact sport. He regularly attended press conferences, Legislative meetings and other political events. This allowed him, as a commentator and teacher, to provide a unique perspective that synthesized political theory with political reality. David's ability to educate and analyze raised the quality of political discourse in New Jersey and earned the respect of all. His death is first and foremost a family tragedy and my prayers and condolences go out to his family and friends."
"David Rebovich was a consummate gentleman and true student of government and politics. His love for the subject was evident in his writings and in his interactions with countless students and elected officials across the state. I am certain all New Jerseyans will miss his wit and analysis. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends."
