'A Lion Of A Man': Colleagues Remember NJ Congressman Bill Pascrell, Who Died At 87

PATERSON, NJ — Longtime U.S. Representative Bill Pascrell Jr., who represented New Jersey's 9th congressional district for 28 years, has died at the age of 87.

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.

"It is with deep sadness that we announce that Bill Pascrell Jr., our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away this morning," his family said in a statement Wednesday. "As our United States Representative, Bill fought to his last breath to return to the job he cherished and to the people he loved. Bill lived his entire life in Paterson and had an unwavering love for the city he grew up in and served. He is now at peace after a lifetime devoted to our great nation America."

Pascrell, who was the second-oldest member of the U.S. House of Representatives, had filed to run for a 15th term this November. Democratic Party leaders in the 9th District have just eight days to choose someone to replace him on the ballot for November's election.

In Washington, Pascrell served on the House Ways and Means Committee and was the chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight. Fellow lawmakers remembered him as a man who was able to bring both parties together and as a steadfast supporter of New Jersey workers and families, as well as firefighters, police officers, and veterans.

He also 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.

Garden State politicians on both sides of the aisle have been sharing their memories of Pascrell, and expressing condolences to his family and loved ones. Here are selections from some of these tributes:

Gov. Phil Murphy: "Tammy and I are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend Congressman Bill Pascrell, a giant of New Jersey and a lifelong champion for our most vulnerable neighbors. A son of the south side of Paterson, Bill developed a passion for public service at a young age. He grew up in a tight-knit Italian American family that instilled in him a tireless work ethic, a deep devotion to giving back to his community, and an unwavering instinct for drawing strength from our state’s diversity. He was a unifier in every sense of the word— and always sought to bring the people of New Jersey together around our shared principles."

U.S. Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ-11): “I’ll 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 his legendary dance moves and poetry readings, to his infectious love of life and sharp sense of humor that could leave you in stitches, every New Jerseyan has their favorite Bill Pascrell memory. In Congress, Bill fought to uplift the community that had given him so much. He was a relentless advocate for veterans, teachers, and first responders and led the charge to increase funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program to make sure that every New Jerseyan could worship safely. Bill’s unwavering faith in democracy and the promise of America was palpable and could be felt in everything he did."

U.S. Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (R-NJ-07): "Bill was a dedicated public servant, a tireless advocate for his constituents, and a passionate supporter of firefighters. We worked closely together on many issues. My deepest condolences go out to his family during this difficult time. Bill will be dearly missed."

U.S. Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ-04): "Bill’s life was marked by steadfast public service to the people of his beloved state and country, having served in the U.S. Army and as a high school history teacher and adjunct professor before becoming a state assemblyman, mayor, and congressman. He was dedicated to New Jersey families and an outspoken advocate especially for our law enforcement community, our firefighters, and our Nation’s veterans. As co-chair and founder of the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force, Bill also helped lead the charge to advance brain health. Earlier this year, I was proud to be the lead cosponsor of his resolution to designate a National Huntington’s Disease Awareness Month to raise public awareness and support for those who suffer from this terrible degenerative brain disorder."

State Senate President Nick Scutari (D-22): "Bill Pascrell was a true native son of New Jersey who never forgot where he came from, who he was, or the people he served. From the diverse communities of Paterson to the halls of Congress, Bill fought for a better society for all Americans and worked tirelessly to bring people together."

State Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz (D-29): “A lifelong resident of Paterson, Congressman Pascrell never forgot where he came from. He exemplified the power of using one’s voice for good and tirelessly gave back to the community that shaped him. He will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to working families, educators, public safety, and the environment, and will continue to inspire future leaders for generations."

State Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin (D-19): "Congressman Bill Pascrell was a lion of a man. He embodied the tenacious spirit of his beloved hometown of Paterson. He fought for a safer, more equitable future for his community and our country. His lifetime of service ran the gamut from local school board to our General Assembly and, finally, to the halls of Congress where he represented New Jersey so well for nearly 30 years. He never forgot where he came from and he always put the people first."

State Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald (D-6): “I am saddened to learn of the passing of Congressman Bill Pascrell. A pillar of New Jersey politics, Congressman Pascrell’s authenticity and candor will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of working with him. He was a model public servant who always worked to find bipartisan solutions.I extend my condolences to his family and hope that they will find some measure of comfort knowing that through his work in the United States Congress, Congressman Pascrell left New Jersey better than he found it.”

State Senator Paul Sarlo (D-36): “We have lost one of our strongest, most impassioned leaders - and one of my best friends in public service. Bill Pascrell represented my hometown of Wood-Ridge and southern Bergen County in Congress, fighting for the needs of our communities and all our residents. I will always value the memory of Congressman Pascrell swearing me in when I first took the oath of office as Mayor of Wood-Ridge in 2000. Bill and I proudly shared our Italian-American heritage, and we both recognized the strength of diversity in New Jersey and our country. He made a lasting impact in a life of service. My sympathies to his wife Elsie, their sons, and the Pascrell family in this time of loss.”