Linda Baer

Rob Tornoe Cartoon

A PolitickerNJ.com cartoon paying tribute to State Sen. Byron Baer following his death in 2007.

Byron Baer died on July 24, 2007 after spending more than 33 years as an Assemblyman and State Senator.  Linda Baer, a former Administrative Law Judge and Bergen County Freeholder,  is paying tribute to her late husband by wearing a diamond that was created using carbon from his cremated remains.

LifeGem Memorial Diamonds, in a press release issues last night, announced the completion and delivery of the diamond, saying that Byron Baer decided to create the diamond as a lasting tribute prior to his death.  "Byron thought the idea of being remembered every time his wife looked at a sparkling precious gem couldn't be more perfect," the press release said.

"Byron authored the open public meetings act, called The Sunshine Law and earned the nickname, The Sunshine Senator," said Linda Baer. "It only seems fitting that he became a Sunshine Diamond." 

Linda Baer worked with Feeney Funeral Home in Ridgewood, which offers LifeGem "in addition to other funeral services."

"Feeney Funeral Home is proud to help honor our home state senator." said David Feeney, the funeral home manager.

Former State Senator Byron Baer will be moving into the Actors Fund Home in Englewood this week after suffering a small stroke two weeks ago. Baer served in the State Assembly from 1972 to 1992 and in the Senate from 1992 until his Parkinson's Disease forced him to step down one year ago. Baer's wife says that his mind continues to be sharp, but his physical health requires full-time nursing home facilities. Baer is a fifty-year member of the Studio Mechanics Union.

Linda Baer says that her husband misses Trenton and was "greatly humbled and happy" that the Open Public Meeting Act he sponsored in the 1970's was renamed in his honor. Senator Baer is anxious to hear from old friends, who can send cards and letters to him at: 420 Lantana Avenue, Englewood, New Jersey 07631.