Ernest Coursey, a respected public official who spent more than three decades serving Atlantic County and the state of New Jersey, died after a recent cancer diagnosis, officials confirmed Tuesday. He was 62.
Coursey’s political life spanned local and state government, including positions under governors, U.S. senators, and mayors. He most recently served on the Atlantic County Board of Commissioners, choosing not to seek reelection in 2023 after a career marked by steady public service and a reputation for bipartisanship.
Gov. Phil Murphy remembered Coursey as “a people person,” who combined integrity in government with warmth in personal relationships.
“He was not just an upstanding public servant — he was an outstanding friend,” Murphy said in a statement. “He was a man of deep faith, an avid fisherman, and a devoted husband and father. We are forever grateful for the kindness and generosity he and his wife, Leslie, shared with us.”
Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson reportedly praised Coursey’s ability to work across party lines, noting his critical role in the county’s recent $15 million legal settlement with the state over the Atlantic City casino PILOT legislation.
“He was a strong advocate for his constituents and one of the most respected voices on the board,” Levinson told NJ.com. “He was the kind of person who truly didn’t seem to have enemies. Everyone liked Ernie.”
Even after his cancer diagnosis, Coursey remained active in public affairs, continuing to attend commissioner meetings remotely as his health declined.
In addition to his county role, Coursey served as chief of staff to Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr., who called his passing a “devastating loss.”
“Our hearts are with the Coursey family and everyone in Atlantic City who knew and worked alongside him,” Small said. “Words can’t express how much he meant to this city.”
Coursey began his political journey in the early 1990s when he was elected to represent Atlantic City’s Third Ward on the city council. He served three terms and held leadership roles as both president and vice president of the council. In 2002, he was appointed deputy mayor under then-Mayor Lorenzo T. Langford.
After stepping away from city government in 2006, he returned in 2011 to manage Surf Stadium, the former home of the Atlantic City Surf baseball team. Over the years, Coursey also worked as an aide to U.S. Sen. Robert Torricelli and participated in transition teams for Govs. Jim McGreevey and Phil Murphy.
In 2013, he was elected to what was then known as the Atlantic County Board of Freeholders. He won reelection three times and remained a familiar presence at county meetings up until recent months.
Atlantic County Democratic Committee Chair Michael Suleiman called Coursey a skilled strategist and principled leader.
Coursey is survived by his wife, Leslie, and their family. Funeral arrangements have not been immediately announced.
