Palaia, a former Republican senator from Monmouth County, served from 1989 until his retirement in 2008.
OCEAN TOWNSHIP -- Joseph Palaia, a former New Jersey senator from Monmouth County, has died.
Representatives of the Francioni Taylor & Lopez Funeral Home in Neptune City confirmed Palaia's death on Sunday, but details were not immediately available.
He was 89.
Palaia, a Republican, served in the state Senate from 1989 until his retirement in 2008.
As news of Palaia's death spread, several state officials took to social media to offer remembrances of Palaia, who was sometimes referred to as "Senator Joe."
Assemblyman Dave Rible (R-Monmouth) said he is "terribly saddened" by the death of Palaia, who he called a "legendary figure" in Monmouth County and in New Jersey.
"Senator Joe was a true man of the people who touched many lives as an educator and public official," Rible said in a statement.
Sen. Tom Kean Jr. (R-Union) said Palaia was "one of the kindest and most decent legislators to ever serve in Trenton."
"Joe was one of a kind, and he will be sorely missed," Kean Jr. said.
Sen. Joe Kyrillos (R-Monmouth) paid tribute to Palaia in a Facebook post.
A former teacher and school administrator, Palaia was a champion for children with disabilities. During his time in the legislature, which started when he was elected to the state Assembly in 1982, Palaia sought to expand educational and medical services for children with disabilities.
He was also a gun-control advocate who co-sponsored the state's Childproof Handgun Law.
It was Palaia's ability to reach across the isle on this issue, Senate President Steven Sweeney said, that "proved we are never far away from bi-partisan leadership on any issue that protects the people of our state."
"His commitment to public service and to the improvement of the lives of our children through education, particularly for those with special needs, is a legacy that will last for years to come," Sweeney (D-Gloucester) said in a statement.
Palaia's career in public service started in 1967 when he was elected to the Ocean Township Council. He would go on to become the township's mayor in 1971. He served on the Chosen Board of Freeholders in Monmouth County before he became an assemblyman.
A funeral service for Palaia is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday at Francioni Taylor & Lopez Funeral home, 200 10th Avenue in Neptune City. Visitation will be held 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the same location.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Alex Napoliello may be reached at anapoliello@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @alexnapoNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.