New Jersey Reacts to Lautenberg's Death

Former constituents were quick to react Monday following the news that

Long Branch business employees and residents said they saddened by the longtime senator's death.

"Frank Lautenberg has always been very reliable and beloved," Long Branch resident Gail Joseph said. "When I was involved in organizations, he would always show up and take an interest in our causes."

"It is always sad when you see someone die who gave their life to New Jersey as a public servant," said Nuno Teixeira, owner of Bon Appetit Cafe in Long Branch.

"It's sad to hear, as long as I've lived here I've known of him," said Frank Noble, an employee of Flowers by Van Brunt in Long Branch. "Another long-serving public official has passed away."

"Although many people only know of Mr. Lautenburg [sic] as a Senator from New Jersey, he was not elected to office until the age of 58 and had a long career with ADP as its first salesman and then for 30 years as Chairman and CEO," wrote Eatontown resident and board of education member Bob English in an e-mail. "Mr. Latenburg's passing also marks the end of an era in the United States Senate where he was the last World War II veteran to still serve in that body."

Many responded to Patch's call out on Facebook to share memories of the senator, who was first elected to the senate in 1982 and went on to serve four more terms.

"Great man who fought til the end for what he believed in!!" wrote Deb Bee on the Brick Patch Facebook page. "Thank you for all you accomplished!!"

Stacy Olsen posted on the Brick Patch page, "Always friendly and warm smile, terrific sense of humor. Great champion of marriage equality. Rest in peace Senator."

"He and his staff were always welcoming during my visits regarding the introduction of Stillbirth and SIDS Awareness Act," wrote Heather King Rotondi on the Manasquan-Belmar Patch Facebook page. "I'll miss his leadership."

And even those who might not have voted for the late senator honored his passing, as did Christine Fernandes, who posted on the Lacey Patch Facebook page, "Wasn't a supporter, but my condolences to his family. May he RIP."