More Than 1,000 Attend DeCroce Funeral [VIDEO/AUDIO]

Family, friends and major politics figures paid respects to the Assembly Republican leader Friday.

More than 1,000 mourners filled St. Peter Apostle Church in Parsippany for Alex DeCroce's funeral Mass. Gov. Chris Christie and his wife escorted DeCroce's widow into the church.

Christie delivered a eulogy to the man whom he considered a mentor.

Christie postponed his State of the State address after DeCroce collapsed and died at the Statehouse late Monday following the lame-duck legislative session. State police said the death was heart-related.

DeCroce had represented parts of Morris and Passaic County since 1989. The 75-year-old became minority leader in the Assembly in 2003.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

Comments from Governor Chris Christie: 

Comments from DeCroce's son: 

Comments from DeCroce's young neighbor: