We recently interviewed Paulette Ramsey, who talks about her late husband, Richard W. DeKorte, and his foresight and contributions to the Meadowlands.

   As a state assemblyman in the late 1960s, DeKorte was instrumental in crafting the legislation that created the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission. DeKorte Park is named in his honor.

   DeKorte also laid out the foundation for the region’s environmental restoration and economic development over the past four decades.

 He also laid out the foundation for the region’s environmental restoration and economic development over the past four decades.

   In the interviews, Mrs. Ramsey talks about her late husband’s foresight and contributions to the Meadowlands, as well as NJMC’s collaboration with Ramapo College and the district today.

A plaque (above) in the lobby of the NJMC Administration Building at DeKorte Park honors his memory.

In this audio interview, Paulette Ramsey talks about the contributions to the Meadowlands and foresight of her late husband, Richard W. DeKorte.

As a state assemblyman in the late 1960s, DeKorte was instrumental in crafting the legislation that created the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission.

He also laid out the foundation for the region’s environmental restoration and economic development over the past four decades.

A plaque in his honor hangs in the lobby of the NJMC Administration Building in DeKorte Park.

A Franklin Lakes resident, DeKorte was a well-respected legislator and former head of the state energy office who many thought would become governor someday.

DeKorte died of cancer at age 38 in 1975. DeKorte Park, the home of the NJMC, is  named in his honor.

Click “Continue reading …” below to hear the interviews with Paulette Ramsey and to see some archival photos.

Paulette Ramsey Audio Clip One
In the above audio clip, Paulette discusses Richard DeKorte’s concern about development in North Jersey and the future of the Meadowlands.

Paulette Ramsey Audio Clip Two
Paulette Ramsey Audio Clip Three
Paulette Ramsey Audio Clip Four
In the above audio clips, Paulette talks about Richard DeKorte and his colleagues’ vision for the Meadowlands.

Paulette Ramsey Audio Clip Five
In the above audio clip, Paulette recalls attending the DeKorte Park groundbreaking  in 1981.

Paulette Ramsey Audio Clip Six
In the above audio clip, Paulette discusses the NJMC’s collaboration with Ramapo College.

Paulette Ramsey Audio Clip Seven
Paulette Ramsey Audio Clip Eight
In the above clips, Paulette talks about Richard DeKorte’s legacy as a legislator.

Paulette Ramsey Audio Clip Nine
In the above clip, Paulette talks about the Meadowlands today.