WHEREAS, Speaker Bill Hamilton was born William J. Hamilton, Jr., in New Brunswick in 1932; and

WHEREAS, Speaker Hamilton would live and work for most of his life in Middlesex County; and

WHEREAS, Speaker Hamilton graduated from St. Peter's High School in 1950 and went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University, a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center, and a Master’s degree from Monmouth University; and

WHEREAS, Speaker Hamilton served as an aviator on active duty in the United States Navy from 1954 to 1958 and thereafter served with the United States Naval Reserve until he ultimately retired with the rank of Captain; and

WHEREAS, in 1962, U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy appointed Speaker Hamilton as First Assistant United States Attorney in Jacksonville, Florida, and during his five years in that position he prosecuted civil and criminal cases, including a landmark civil rights case; and

WHEREAS, in 1967, Speaker Hamilton returned to his hometown of New Brunswick to establish his own law practice, specializing in municipal law, and eventually served as municipal attorney for Highland Park, South Brunswick, Winfield Park, Carteret, and New Brunswick; and

WHEREAS, Speaker Hamilton was elected to the New Jersey General Assembly in 1972 where he served three terms, becoming assistant majority leader in 1974, majority leader in 1976, and Speaker of the General Assembly in January 1977; and

WHEREAS, in 1977, Speaker Hamilton was elected to the New Jersey Senate where he served with distinction until 1982; and

WHEREAS, during his decade-long legislative career, Speaker Hamilton was a leader in addressing issues such as no-fault insurance, title insurance, pre-trial intervention programs, support for Vietnam War veterans, and tax policies aimed at reducing the property tax burden on residents while ensuring the adequate funding of a thorough and efficient system of public schools; and

WHEREAS, Speaker Hamilton contributed greatly to many worthwhile causes during his years as a public servant and after his retirement from government service, including as a member of the board of trustees for Crossroads Theatre Company, St. Peter's Medical Center, Court Appointed Special Advocates of Middlesex County, and the Irish Repertory Theatre, New York City; and

WHEREAS, Speaker Hamilton’s presence will be sorely missed by his family, including his four children and many grandchildren, his countless friends, his colleagues, and by the people of New Jersey whom he served so well; and

WHEREAS, it is with great sorrow that we mourn the passing of Speaker Hamilton, and extend our deepest sympathy to his family, friends, and colleagues; and

WHEREAS, it is appropriate to honor the exemplary character, outstanding achievements, and cherished memory of Speaker Hamilton, and to mark his passing;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, PHILIP D. MURPHY, Governor of the State of New Jersey, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and by the Statutes of this State, do hereby ORDER and DIRECT:

1. The flag of the United States of America and the flag of New Jersey shall be flown at half-staff at all State departments, offices, agencies, and instrumentalities during appropriate hours on Monday, October 21, 2019, in recognition and mourning of a dedicated and tireless public servant, Speaker Bill Hamilton.

2. This Order shall take effect immediately.