CODEY & MACKEY FUNERAL HOME - Key Persons

Job Titles:

• Founder

The founder, Joseph P. Dixon, operated the business at a different location until 1928, when it was moved to its current site. Howard D. Mackey purchased the business from the Dixon family in 1968. He served area families compassionately until his retirement in 1986. Howard's son, Dean Mackey, was at the funeral home from 1976 to 2013, a distinguished 37 year career.

Job Titles:

• Manager
• Owner
• Generation Funeral Director
• Owner / Manager, NJ Lic. 3175

Richard J. Codey, the 53rd governor of New Jersey, is a third-generation funeral director. His family owned and operated the Codey Funeral Home in Orange for more than 100 years. In 2012, Codey moved that location to Caldwell to be closer to the families he was serving in Essex County. A year later, in 2013, Codey completed his purchase of the Mackey Funeral Home in Boonton and renamed it the Codey & Mackey Funeral Home. The home has served Morris County residents continuously since 1914, moving to its current location at Essex Avenue and West Main Street in 1928. "It's a family legacy that I'm proud of," Codey said of his life in the funeral industry, helping families. Codey began his career in state government in 1973 when he was elected to the Assembly. He went on to become a State Senator in 1982 and while serving as Senate President in 2004 he assumed the governorship when Gov. James E. McGreevey resigned before his term expired. Today, Codey remains a State Senator and he is now the longest serving member in the history of the New Jersey Legislature. Throughout his career in state government, Codey has earned a reputation as an independent thinker and a champion of change to benefit the public good. He has been a steadfast advocate on behalf of the mentally ill, working tirelessly to improve treatment, care and education for those with mental illness. As Governor, Codey continued to bring the struggles of the mentally ill to the forefront of the public's attention. His first official act was to establish the Governor's Task Force on Mental Health to report to him on the direction New Jersey should take in delivering improved services to its mentally ill. Codey also was successful in implementing more than 90 percent of the task force's recommendations, resulting in a dramatic improvement in New Jersey's mental health system. A longtime advocate for children, Codey sponsored the nation's first statewide assault weapons ban and the nation's first childproof handgun law. As Governor, he signed landmark legislation requiring GPS tracking for sex offenders and launched an unprecedented statewide school security audit. And he authored one of the strongest packages of laws in the nation to crack down on Internet predators. He has also been a vocal public health advocate, playing an instrumental role in providing affordable and accessible health care, creating a prescription drug assistance program for seniors, funding innovative cancer research programs, and signing the landmark Smoke Free Air Act into law.

Santiago Portillo was a caring husband, father, and grandfather. He left this world suddenly on January 9, 2024, at age 97. He was born on May 25, 1926, to Maria de Jesus Ayalla Portillo and Santiago Portillo in Estanzuelas, Departamento de Usulutan, El Salvador. He spent most of his life in Boonton, NJ after he and his family immigrated to the United States. Santiago lived a full and rich life, both in the United States and in his home country of El Salvador. He fought to bring his family to the U.S. for a better life and sacrificed much to make sure his family was able to have the best life possible. Santiago was deeply religious and had a close relationship with God. He was the pastor of a small church in his hometown. Santiago loved music, he sang in a band when he was young and continued his traditions of singing up until his passing. He taught himself how to play the guitar and spent many hours playing for his family. Santiago had a young soul, keeping up with his sons and he stayed active for as long as he could. He also loved a quiet evening with his family and he had the uncanny ability to brighten up a room. Santiago is survived by his beloved wife, Mariana. He was a proud father to 11 children and a wonderful grandfather to 12. He will be remembered as a true family man; his cheerful attitude and happy songs will be missed by all his family. Santiago is remembered as a big-hearted, loving, compassionate, and giving man. He would give the shirt off his back for anyone and he always put the wellbeing of his family first. Santiago's visitation will be held at Codey and Mackey Funeral Home,107 Essex Ave, Boonton, NJ 07005 on Saturday, January 13th from 9:00am to 11:00am, with a prayer service at 10:30am. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 225 Ridgedale Ave, East Hanover, NJ 07936.

Scott was born in Denville to John William and Carmen (Cook) Hollinghurst in February 1960. A lifelong resident of Boonton, he graduated from Boonton High School in 1978 and attended the Police Academy in Sea Girt. Scott joined the Boonton Police Department and rose to Sergeant before retiring. He was a long-time member of the Boonton Fire Department as well as the Boonton Kiwanis First Aid Squad. Scott was a devoted parishioner at First Reformed Church of Boonton and volunteered at the Food Pantry. He was also an invaluable employee for 30 years at Codey & Mackey Funeral Home, where he gave support to hundreds of families. Scott was tireless in his commitment to his community and his family. In his spare time, Scott was a proud member of the 33rd New Jersey Volunteer Infantry Regiment Reenactors, Company G 2nd Zouaves. He and his wife, Caroline enjoyed actively participating in the civil war reenactments, traveling to many gatherings over the years. Once their son, Billy, came into their lives they took him along too, establishing long standing relationships within that community for the whole family. Scott is survived by his cherished son, William; his adored mother, Carmen; his sister, Debra; his brother, Brian and wife, Kathleen; their daughters, Brittney and Erin; his brother-in-law, James Christopher and wife Dina, their children, Courtney (Brad) and James (Michelle) and their granddaughters, Lila and Olivia; and many friends. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 41 years, Caroline (Christopher) Hollinghurst, as well as his father, John William Hollinghurst.