Retired NJ Sen. Ron Rice Dies: ‘Trailblazer’ Mourned In Essex County

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Trailblazer. Straight shooter. Free thinker. These are some of the words that mourners are using to describe late New Jersey senator Ronald Rice.

Rice died at the age of 77 after a battle with cancer, Insider NJ stated. He is survived by his two children, Yuki Rice Faison and former Newark City Councilman Ronald C. Rice, the New Jersey Monitor reported Wednesday.

Prior to his retirement in 2022, Rice – one of the most recognizable Democrats in the senate and the longest-serving Black lawmaker in state history – had served in the 28th District for more than three decades. His seat is now occupied by Sen. Renee Burgess, who emerged victorious in a special election to represent the district in November 2022.

Along with Newark – where he served as a police detective and later as a councilman – Rice represented the towns of Bloomfield, Glen Ridge, Irvington and Nutley for years until recent redistricting changed the boundaries of the 28th District.

Gov. Phil Murphy ordered that U.S. and New Jersey flags fly at half-staff at all state buildings and facilities from Thursday, March 16 until Thursday, March 23 in remembrance of Rice.

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Several mourners have since shared fond memories of the late lawmaker. They include:

Gov. Murphy - “Tammy and I are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Senator Ron Rice, the longest-serving Black legislator in New Jersey history. For over 36 years in the New Jersey Senate, Senator Rice served as a fearless and passionate advocate for his constituents and a powerful champion for social justice with a record of transformational legislative successes. Prior to his work in government, Senator Rice’s career of service began as a Marine in the Vietnam War and a City of Newark police officer. Born in the Jim Crow-era South, Senator Rice never hesitated to speak out when he saw injustice, nor did he back down from a challenge. His legacy and example will continue to inspire this administration and all of New Jersey’s leaders to work toward racial equity and expand opportunity for underserved communities. We send our heartfelt condolences to all of Senator Rice’s family, especially his children, Ronald Jr. and Yuki. I will be signing an executive order directing flags to fly at half-staff in his honor.”

U.S. Sen. Cory Booker - “Newark and New Jersey have lost a true champion, someone who fought for the people. Whatever titles he held, Senator Rice was a man who prided himself on his Newark roots and lived life in accordance with his values of fairness, equality, justice, and redemption. I will always treasure the many lessons I learned from him. So many of us are better leaders and citizens because of his service and his example. Few Newark leaders leave a legacy in public service as profound as his. My heart is heavy for his family and the countless people whom he touched. May we honor his life by rededicating ourselves to the fight for compassion, equality, and the ideals Senator Rice lived by.”

U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez - “Throughout history, few Americans have been able bend the moral arc of the universe towards justice, however, as evidenced by his numerous accomplishments, former New Jersey State Senator Ronald Rice was one of those Americans. Born under the crushing yoke of racism in the Jim Crow South, Sen. Rice drew from his experiences to advocate for the underprivileged and the underserved. In Trenton, he rightfully earned his reputation as a maverick because of his unyielding commitment to never compromise his fiercely-held convictions. I was proud to recognize his long service to our state at our Black History Month Celebration earlier this year. Whether as a Vietnam veteran of the United States Marine Corps, as a local law enforcement officer, as a Newark City Councilmember representing the West Ward, or as the longest-serving Black member of the New Jersey Legislature, Ronald Rice was a force to be reckoned with. Nadine and I join our entire state in mourning his passing and sending our condolences his children Ronald and Yuki, and to the vast number of New Jerseyans whose lives he touched.”

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka - “All of Newark is saddened to learn of the passing of former State Senator, Deputy Mayor, and Municipal Council Member Ronald L. Rice today. Ronald Rice wore many hats with distinction in a career of public service that lasted more than four decades – Newark Police Detective, first African-American to hold a West Ward Council seat, Deputy Mayor, first African-American to hold elected office in both state and local government. Known as the ‘Lion of the Legislature,’ he served as State Senator for 36 years, 18 of them as chair of the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus. He was one of my great advisers and mentors. In Trenton, he was both warrior and diplomat – fervent in his fight for the needs of our residents, and their quality of life. He was unwavering in his conviction that America will attain its highest ideals of liberty and justice and his sights were laser-focused on the long game of racial equality. He championed the discarded and disenfranchised and uplifted women, seniors, and children. He offered leadership and guidance to colleagues and constituents, and mentored many active and aspiring leaders throughout the state. Ron Rice was always there for Newark when we needed him, and we thank him for his immense commitment to public service and hard work. I know that all of Newark joins me in gratitude for his life, mourning his loss, and extending our prayers and condolences to the Rice family.”

NJ Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz – “Today we lost a giant, a man who lived his commitment to public service over a lifetime of hard work, sacrifice and dedication to the residents of Newark, his legislative district and the State of New Jersey. As we remember Senator Rice, it is my hope that his loved ones can take comfort in the legacy he leaves behind as a trailblazer, a fierce advocate and above all else, a friend.”

NJ Senate President Nick Scutari – “I am terribly saddened at the passing of Ron Rice. He was an accomplished and respected man who dedicated his life to the service of others. He served our country as a decorated Marine in Vietnam, his home City of Newark as a police detective, member of City Council and Deputy Mayor, and the residents of his legislative district and the people of New Jersey in a distinguished career in the Senate. Ron was a fearless man who stood up for his beliefs and fought tirelessly for civil rights and social justice. As the longest serving African-American member of the Legislature and founding leader of the Legislative Black Caucus, he left his mark in meaningful and lasting ways. I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to the Rice family in their time of loss.”

Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. – “I am saddened by the passing of Senator Ron Rice. Ron was a tireless worker for Newark and its residents. He was a trailblazer and icon who never compromised his ideals or principles. I am glad that we were able to recognize Ron by dedicating the new sports complex in Essex County Vailsburg Park when he was able to experience it. My heart and thoughts are with his family.”

Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura – “I had the honor and privilege to work alongside then Det. Rice in the Newark Police Department. Ron was a no nonsense, straight shooting, great street cop. I had the continued privilege of witnessing Ron Rice carry that same approach to the world of politics. Ron’s departure from the Newark Police Department for political service was their loss but the people of NJ’s gain. Ron was a tireless advocate for the people of NJ, especially those in need. Once elected Sheriff, I would hear more from Ron to advocate for his constituents than all the other elected officials combined. Ron will be sorely missed as an advocate, legislator, and friend.”

Essex County Commissioner President Wayne Richardson – “I am saddened to learn of the passing of a great warrior, Ronald L. Rice, my friend, and a standard bearer for the people of the West Ward in the City of Newark, the County of Essex, and the State of New Jersey. Senator Rice, known as the ‘Lion of the Legislature,’ lived for the people he represented. He was a consummate representative of the people, who was unapologetic in his love for his constituents and his quest for justice and equality for Black people. Senator Rice was a courageous public servant who didn’t shy away from controversial issues and always stood on principle. Ronald Rice was a mentor to me and many others. He believed in sharing the knowledge and expertise he acquired during his decades of public service, as evidenced by his 18-years as Chair of the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus. His connection to everyday working people remained strong throughout his 36-years as State Senator, and his impact of the West Ward of Newark is indisputable. His long-time headquarters, on the corner of Sanford and South Orange Avenues, served as a resource for Newark’s West Ward Community. I was proud to attend the recent ceremony where the building housing his headquarters was named in his honor. While I am saddened by his passing, I rejoice in having known him, having stood in his presence, listened to his stories and wisdom, and most of all shared a laugh or two. He will be greatly missed. The entire Essex County Board of County Commissioners joins me in expressing our deepest condolences to the family of Ronald L. Rice.”

Essex County Democratic Committee - “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of New Jersey State Senator Ronald L. Rice, a determined and dedicated public servant who devoted his life to helping his constituents and New Jerseyans across the state. Senator Rice served our great nation in Vietnam in the United States Marine Corps, served his community as a police officer and detective in the City of Newark, and served his constituents as a Senator with the utmost integrity and responsiveness. Senator Rice was one of those leaders who displayed character, integrity, passion, respect, empathy, sincerity and courage. He had the fortitude to stand up for what is right and keep the power in the hands of the people. We, Essex County Democrats extend our deepest condolences to the Rice family and will fondly remember a true role model for all public servants.”

Newark Councilman Dupré Kelly – “Growing up in the West Ward of Newark, I have known and been mentored by the late Senator Ronald L. Rice for 40 of my 52 years of life. I call him my OG (Original Guard of the West Ward). The former Councilman, Deputy Mayor, and State Senator not only showed me what community service was about, he showed me what governance is about. When I played baseball as a child, he was there. When I started my nonprofit organization 211 Community Impact, he was there. When I decided to run for Councilman-at-Large and lost in 2018, he was there. And, he was there when I won the West Ward council seat in 2022. I'm eternally grateful for his love and support of me, the City of Newark, and the State of New Jersey. Rest in peace and power, OG!”

East Orange Mayor Ted Green - “I am incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of Senator Ronald Rice, a gentleman who I love, who has stood strong for the voiceless for over 36 years. From fighting for racial equality and women’s rights to criminal justice reform and reparations, Senator Rice inspired residents of the State of New Jersey and beyond with his wisdom, mentorship, deep understanding of our history and devotion to the progression of underserved populations; forcing fellow legislators to confront uncomfortable truths, never afraid to be a lone voice champion of the poor and dispossessed. My heart and prayers are with the family and friends of Senator Rice. May his legacy live on through us all.”

Michele Siekerka, New Jersey Business and Industry Association president and CEO – “The NJBIA mourns the passing of Senator Rice, as it is an enormous loss for the state of New Jersey. In addition to his legacy of trying to improve social justice, criminal justice and economic justice, it was Senator Rice’s independence as a free thinker, and his conviction to stand up for what he believed in, even if it was against the will of his party, that was truly to be admired. While we didn’t agree on all issues, we have immense gratitude for the times he stood up for New Jersey’s business community. Senator Rice will be greatly missed, and we offer sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.”

Health Professionals and Allied Employees - “The HPAE, New Jersey's largest union of health care workers, mourns the passing of State Senator Ronald Rice, a tireless fighter for his city and state. Newark has lost a favorite son and a giant in New Jersey’s legislature. In his long career of public service, Sen. Rice often was often the lone voice in championing racial equality and social justice; always fighting for society's most vulnerable populations. He was a partner with HPAE in working to protect public health services, especially University Hospital in Newark. We will miss him.”

New Jersey Education Association President Sean Spiller, Vice President Steve Beatty and Secretary/Treasurer Petal Robertson - “We are saddened to learn of the passing of Sen. Ron Rice. We offer our condolences to his children, Yuki and Ronald, the rest of his family and loved ones, and the countless people across New Jersey and the world who knew and respected him for his tireless public service. Sen. Rice served our nation with distinction as a Marine and never stopped fighting for liberty and justice for all. He was a civil rights titan who spent his long career in public service speaking up for those who were too often silenced and fighting for those who needed a champion. He was a fierce advocate for public education. He understood that education is both the foundation of democracy and the truest path to prosperity for individuals and communities alike. He never ceased advocating for the communities he represented to have the educational resources and opportunities guaranteed to them by New Jersey’s constitution. His presence will be missed in New Jersey but his legacy lives on in the laws he helped pass, the lives he touched and the light he shined throughout his career.”

Newark Communities for Accountable Policing – “Opposition to real civilian oversight almost always comes from those with law enforcement backgrounds and police unions. Senator Rice courageously looked beyond the lockstep opposition from those quarters and dared to stand on democratic principle and the need to do more and to give the community more control of their police departments.”

University Hospital in Newark – “The University Hospital community is saddened by the passing of our friend and former State Senator Ronald R. Rice. From his fierce protection of the core principles of the Newark Accords to his tireless advocacy for the City of Newark and this hospital, Senator Rice was a staunch supporter of the health and well-being of the community and of the help and healing we offer to our patients each and every day. We applaud his life of public service and his focused vision of liberty, justice and equality for all in his community, his state, and the nation. The entire hospital family extends its deepest sympathies to the Rice family.”

Rutgers-Newark Chancellor Nancy Cantor – “The Rutgers-Newark community joins Newarkers and New Jerseyans in profound sadness at the loss of one of the greatest champions of justice our university, our city, and our state have ever known, former State Senator Ron Rice. I truly can’t think of an alum more emblematic of our institution and what we stand for than him. We are an anchor institution in Newark—striving always to do what it takes to cultivate the talent of today to be the leaders of tomorrow. Senator Rice embodied that perfectly, showing us what it means to cultivate one’s talents and put them to work for the public good. He did that himself by sharing his time generously with our students, exhibiting a dedication to raising up new generations committed to making the world a more just place, which led us to create the Ron Rice Lecture Series on Criminal Justice and Public Policy in 2014 in the School of Criminal Justice, where he had received his master’s degree. His impact has been felt by thousands of change-makers prepared to do the people’s work and pursue public service at the highest levels, walking in his footsteps. In fact, it is not a stretch to say that as an institution we walk the path he carved while serving in the New Jersey State Senate longer than anyone else. Throughout his illustrious career, Ron modelled what collective mobilization looks like at its best, teaching us all how to work in the service of the public, whether in creating educational opportunity, addressing issues of criminal justice and policing broadly construed, ensuring protection for citizens from eviction and access to affordable housing, examining the toxic impact of environmental pollution on our neighborhoods, and the need for relentless advocacy for health equity, and caring, really caring, about the racial wealth gap and the disparate impact of mass incarceration. Indeed, the resonance between Ron’s legislative achievements and our aspirations as a public institution were recognized earlier this year by the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus when it established the Senator Ronald L. Rice Endowed Scholarship at Rutgers-Newark in his honor. While we are deeply saddened at the loss of Ron’s courageous leadership in the Senate and his fierce advocacy in the halls of government, we are profoundly grateful for the legacy of his lifelong commitment to Newark and to make real the promise of genuinely equal opportunity for all. The example of his courage in the unrelenting pursuit of a more just and equitable community, state, nation, and world will continue to inspire us.”

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