Acting Governor Way has signed Executive Order No. 370, directing that the U.S. and New Jersey flags be flown at half-staff from November 8 to November 10, 2024. This gesture honors former Assembly Speaker Garabed "Chuck" Haytaian, who passed away on November 1 at the age of 86.
Haytaian's career began as an engineer at Grumman Aerospace before transitioning into public service. He was elected as a Warren County Freeholder in 1975 and later joined the New Jersey General Assembly in 1981. From 1992 to 1996, he served as Speaker of the Assembly, focusing on tax reform and education initiatives. Under his leadership, New Jersey became one of the first states to require Holocaust education in public schools.
“Speaker Haytaian was a giant across New Jersey politics,” said Acting Governor Way. “Born to survivors of the Armenian Genocide, Speaker Chuck Haytaian devoted his life to serving the people of New Jersey. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his loved ones and remain forever grateful for his legacy of service.”
Haytaian is survived by his brother John; children David, Debbie, and Darrell; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
