My alma mater, Rider University, and the New Jersey political scene lost a true giant today when David Rebovich, professor of political science and managing director of Rider’s Institute for New Jersey Politics, died after suffering a heart attack while teaching a class. He was 58.
Rebovich, called “The Answer Man” by the New York Times, was a media favorite for his knowledge of the New Jersey political scene. It seemed I heard his voice in a sound bite two or three times a week on radio station NJ 101.5 FM, discussing a wide array of topics dealing with politics in the Garden State. He also generated a ton of media hits for Rider.
Last year, Dave was listed as the 16th most powerful figure in state politics by PoliticsNJ.com (for which he also served as a columnist).
I had the pleasure of creating the first version of the Institute for New Jersey Politics’ Web site back when I was the content coordinator for Rider’s Web site. He was just a cool guy and he really enjoyed talking about the wacky world of Jersey politics.
Dave was also dean of Rider’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences back when I was a student, and he helped me out with some paperwork a few times.
I would like to offer my condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues at Rider University.
Here are some links:
Rider University: In Memoriam – David Rebovich
NJ.com (The Times of Trenton): Rider professor and political analyst Rebovich dies
PoliticsNJ.com: David Rebovich dies and More kind words for David Rebovich
N.J. Campaigns & Elections: New Jersey political icon Rebovich dead
The Associated Press (via NJ.com): Respected political analyst Rebovich dies
And here is a Google News search full of related stories.
Photo courtesy of Rider University.
Brian Kelley 