Watson Coleman Mourns Passing Of Congressman Bill Pascrell Jr.

PRINCETON, NJ – Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman is mourning the passing of longtime U.S. Representative Bill Pascrell Jr.

Pascrell Jr. represented New Jersey's 9th congressional district for 28 years. He was 87.

In a statement, Watson Coleman said she was “terribly saddened” to learn of the loss of her “dear friend and colleague.”

"Bill served his country, community, and constituents ably and honorably for decades, always putting the needs of those at home front and center in all his work,” Watson Coleman said.

“He was an engaging and thoughtful legislative partner who brought an effortless charm, affability, and gregariousness to every endeavor, making the work feel like it wasn’t work at all. His wisdom and experience were invaluable to the lawmaking process, and I will sorely miss him in Congress.”

Pascrell, a Paterson native who served in the U.S. Army, had been hospitalized with a fever and respiratory issues in mid-July. The Democrat was discharged to a rehabilitation center on Aug. 7 before being re-admitted to the hospital days later.

Pascrell, who was the second-oldest member of the U.S. House of Representatives, was seeking his 15th term this November. He was a fierce critic of former president Donald Trump, and voted to impeach Trump twice.

Pascrell served in the Army and Army Reserve after college and graduate school. He worked as a teacher in Paterson and served on the Board of Education there from 1979 to 1982.

He was also Paterson’s mayor from 1990 until 1996, when he was first elected for Congress.

“Bill and I are praying for his family during this tragic time. May God bless him and welcome him home,” Watson Coleman said.

(with reporting from Michelle Rotuno Johnson, Patch Staff)

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