VERONA -- Former state Assemblywoman Marion Crecco, a respected force in local conservative politics, died Saturday. She was 85.
A Newark native, Crecco was the first woman ever elected to represent the state's 30th Legislative District (now the 34th) in 1986, representing much of suburban Essex County, including her longtime home of Bloomfield.
Crecco, a Republican, held the post for 16 years, rising into leadership positions including deputy speaker, assistant majority leader and assistant majority whip, and served as chair of the Assembly's Law and Public Safety Committee, according to her obituary.
Crecco also took seriously her status as a trailblazing woman in Trenton, taking on roles as state director for the National Order of Women Legislators and National Foundation for Women Legislators.
MORE: Referendum bond helps fund Bloomfield College expansion
She left her seat behind in 2002, the same year her husband John Crecco left his post as mayor of Bloomfield. She remained active in the community, however, serving as chair of the town's Republican Committee for 10 years, and working for the John Crecco Foundation, which raises money for local hospitals and other organizations.
In addition to her time in politics, she carved out a successful career in advertising, becoming the Thomas Publishing Company's first female sales representative in the greater New York area.
She relocated to Verona in her later years alongside her husband, where she spent time with family, including two daughters and four grandchildren.
"Her outer and inner beauty captivated all who had the privilege of knowing her. And the limitless bounds of her heart were evidenced by the countless number of people she helped and inspired," her family wrote in her obituary.
Memorial services have been scheduled for Sunday and Monday. More information can be found here.
Dan Ivers may be reached at divers@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @DanIversNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.