A Trailblazer in New Jersey Politics and Lottery Leadership

Gloria A. Decker, a remarkable figure in New Jersey politics for over seven decades, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2024, at the age of 91. Her legacy is one of dedication, leadership, and breaking barriers. Let’s explore the remarkable journey of this extraordinary woman:

Early Life and Education

• Gloria A. Decker was born on October 16, 1932, in Phillipsburg, New Jersey.
• She graduated from Phillipsburg High School and Churchman Business College, setting the stage for her future accomplishments.

Political Trailblazer

• Introduced to politics by her mother-in-law, Beatrice Decker, Gloria embarked on her political journey.
• In 1953, when Democrat Robert B. Meyner, a fellow Phillipsburg resident, won the governorship, Gloria’s influence in county politics began to grow.
• In 1972, she made history by becoming the first woman to lead a major political party in the state, serving as the elected chairman of the Warren County Democratic Party.
• Simultaneously, Gloria was a member and Vice-President of the Phillipsburg Board of Education and the first female member of the Warren County Board of Taxation.

Transforming Education

• As a member of the Phillipsburg Board of Education from 1968 to 1973, Gloria secured a $4 million bond to finance the construction of essential schools:
  • Phillipsburg Middle School
  • Green Street School
  • Barber School (with an addition)
• She championed the creation of cafeterias in every district school, significantly enhancing the quality of education in the town.

Lottery Leadership

• In 1974, Gloria was nominated by Governor Brendon T. Byrne and confirmed by the Senate to work at the New Jersey Lottery Commission.
• Rising through the ranks, she became the Executive Director in 1977, making her the first woman to lead a state or national lottery worldwide.
• Under her guidance, the New Jersey Lottery nearly tripled its growth.
• Gloria introduced groundbreaking games like Pick-4 and Pick-6, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
• From 1982 to 1985, she served as a lottery consultant, advising and operating lotteries in the District of Columbia and the Dominican Republic.

Mayor and Beyond

• Gloria returned to her political roots in 1989 as a town council member in Phillipsburg.
• She later became Deputy Mayor and, from 1992 to 1996, the first woman elected mayor under the new strong mayor system of government.

Gloria A. Decker’s legacy lives on—a testament to her unwavering dedication, perseverance, and leadership. Her impact extends far beyond New Jersey, inspiring generations to come.