PATERSON, NJ – Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr.
his family announced his death on social media.
“As our United States Representative, Bill fought until his last breath to return to the job he loved and for the people he loved. Now he is at peace after a lifetime of dedication to our great country America,” he wrote.
Pascrell was 87. The cause of death has not been released, although he was recently hospitalized.
Pascrell is a graduate of Fordham University and served in the Army for six years. He was first elected to the New Jersey General Assembly in 1988, and was elected mayor of Paterson in 1990. He then served in Congress in 1996.
“Bill Pascrell embodies the spirit of New Jersey”
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy hailed Pascrell as “a giant of New Jersey and a lifelong champion for our most vulnerable neighbors.”
“He is a unifier in every sense of the word – and always strives to bring the people of New Jersey together with our principles,” Murphy said. “But for many New Jerseyans, Bill will be remembered most fondly for leading the fight for our families in Congress over the past 27 years. At every stage of his Congressional career, he stood up for our neighbors by defending access to reproductive health. keeping our community safe from gun violence, supporting law enforcement officers and first responders, protecting our natural wonders – like Paterson’s Great Falls – and more.
“Bill Pascrell embodies the spirit of New Jersey. He continues to fight for his community. As the first son of Paterson, he never forgot where he came from, leaving an indelible mark on North Jersey as a mayor, public school teacher. assemblyman, and congressman who once, never back down from what is true Bill fierce champion for what class, always standing up for the little people, fighting to make sure that the New Jersey family did not shake just. whether on the factory floor, in the classroom, or in the doctor’s office Beyond his dedication, Bill It’s one of the funniest, most entertaining things you can ever meet, my friend and I,” Rep. Frank Pallone.
“My heart is hurting right now. We in New Jersey are so saddened by the loss of Bill Pascrell. I miss him and give all the love and strength I can muster to his family and community,” Rep. Andy Kim wrote on social media.
“Today, my heart is heavy with the loss of a dear friend, colleague, and mentor, Bill Pascrell. For his entire life — in the Army, as a high school history teacher, Mayor, State Legislator, and Member of Congress — Bill served others,” said Rep. . Mikey Sherrill. “I will never forget meeting Bill when I first ran for Congress. He took me under his wing and I immediately saw his fierce love for New Jersey and pride for his beloved Paterson. From the legendary dance moves and poetry readings, to the infectious love of life and taste sharp humor that could have you in stitches, every New Jersey man has a fond memory of Bill Pascrell.”
“Bill Pascrell was more than a colleague, he was a friend, a mentor and someone I admired and loved. He was never ready to do his job and he did it with purpose every day, his voice, and his dedication will never be forgotten,” Rep. Rob Menendez wrote on social media. “It’s hard to think about returning to DC and not seeing him on the floor of the House in the back corner holding court or after the votes get together to connect over a meal. He is a true friend and I will cherish our time together and forever. I will always carry memories with me.
“I am saddened by the passing of Congressman Bill Pascrell. Bill represented New Jersey with determination, energy and passion and never backed down from a fight when it meant protecting the rights of our citizens. For many years, we were fortunate to have Bill represent Essex. from our county including the District, we will all miss his leadership and our prayers are with his family,” said Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.
Pascrell is the second member of Congress from New Jersey to die in office this year. Rep. Donald Payne, Jr. died in April.
