The Garden State lost a political giant Aug. 21 – as 14-term congressman and proud Patersonian U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, D-9th District, passed away at the age of 87.

Pascrell dealt with an illness in recent weeks and had been hospitalized.

“It is with deep sadness that we announce that Bill Pascrell Jr., our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away this morning,” the family announced. “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.”

Tributes and remembrances are pouring in from around the great Garden State and beyond.

‘A giant of New Jersey’

“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,” said Gov. Phil Murphy. “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.”

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.

We send our heartfelt condolences and prayers to his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/g69A6OpbK8

— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) August 21, 2024

Murphy said that public service for Pascrell came in many forms.

“He educated our nation’s students as a history teacher, as well as an adjunct professor,” said Murphy. “He served our nation in uniform. And he also served our neighbors in the Silk City as Mayor, as well as a member of the State Assembly.”

The governor noted the many causes Pascrell fought and advocated for, such as defending access to reproductive health care, gun violence safety, supporting law enforcement officers and first responders, and protecting natural wonders – such as Paterson’s Great Falls.

“Throughout his life, Bill proved to all of us what it means to live up to our New Jersey values,” said Murphy. “Tammy and I will miss him dearly. We send our heartfelt condolences and prayers to his wife, Elsie, as well as their three children – Bill, David, and Glenn – and six grandchildren.”

More tributes

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Congressman Bill Pascrell,” said Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way. “I will forever be grateful to Bill for the mentorship he showed me in my earliest years on the Passaic County Board of Commissioners, and for his friendship in every year after. Bill has been my family’s representative in Congress for nearly three decades and has been a force for good in New Jersey for even longer.”

“New Jersey lost a giant today,” said Attorney General Matthew Platkin. “Bill’s one-of-a-kind sense of humor brought levity even in the hardest of times, but his passion and conviction were always front and center. His legacy will endure in the lives he touched and the communities he uplifted. And on a personal level, I will never forget the generosity he displayed towards me early and often in my career — especially when he didn’t need to and when he had little to gain for it.”

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Congressman Pascrell who was a fierce fighter for both Paterson and the ninth congressional district. I offer condolences to his loving family,” said Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh. “On a personal level, he was a mentor and friend. Both times that I was elected Mayor, he swore me in. Congressman Pascrell’s legacy will positively impact the lives of future generations, and he will be sorely missed.”

A colleague, a mentor, a friend

“Congressman Bill Pascrell was a lion of a man,” said Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, D-19th District. “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.”

“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,” said Senate President Nick Scutari, D-22nd District. “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.”

“The Congressman went from being a high school teacher to one of New Jersey’s most faithful advocates in Congress and his absence leaves a large hole in the Garden State,” said Senate Republican Leader Anthony Bucco, R-25th District. “My heart breaks for his family and loved ones who lost a great man and a strong leader.”

“Today, my heart is heavy with the loss of my dear friend, colleague, and mentor, Bill Pascrell,” said U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-11th District. “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.”

‘The consummate public servant’

“It’s hard to believe, but today, Jersey lost an absolute giant, a courageous fighter, and an unparalleled champion of hardworking families and first responders — my dear friend and mentor, and Paterson’s favorite son, Bill Pascrell,” said U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-5th District. “Bill was the consummate public servant. A veteran, an educator, a legislator, and a proud Italian American, Bill never forgot where he came from, for even a moment. He was feisty but fair, quick with a quip and a jab, and incredibly loyal.  Bill lived life to the fullest until the end — and we all loved him for it. He was Jersey through and through — and a ton of fun to be around.”

It’s hard to believe, but today, Jersey lost an absolute giant, a courageous fighter, and an unparalleled champion of hardworking families and first responders…
— U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer

“Bill represented New Jersey with determination, energy and enthusiasm and never backed down from a fight when it meant protecting the rights of our residents,” said Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. “For many years we were fortunate to have Bill represent Essex when part of our county was included in his District. We will all miss his leadership and friendship. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

‘A tremendous legacy’

“Congressman Pascrell was a strong supporter of policies that promoted and protected his hometown of Paterson, the birthplace of the manufacturing industry on which NJBIA has always focused,” said New Jersey Business & Industry Association Chief Government Affairs Officer Christopher Emigholz. “He also helped facilitate job creation and always fought extremely hard for his constituency. We send our sincere condolences to his family at this difficult time.”

“Congressman Bill Pascrell was the true definition of a New Jerseyan and a great friend of the business community. His door was always open when the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce staff needed counsel and support on issues critical to New Jersey,” said Tom Bracken, president and CEO, New Jersey Chamber of Commerce. “Our state could not have asked for a better representative. He will be missed and we offer his family our deepest condolences.”

“He was a champion for first responders and was committed to eliminating barriers to high-quality healthcare for all and many of his constituents are served by Bergen New Bridge,” said Deborah Visconi, president and CEO, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center. “He leaves behind a tremendous legacy, and we are grateful for the work he did to support accessible healthcare, especially for safety net facilities.”

“If Bill Pascrell could be summed up in one word, that word would be fighter. He fought for New Jersey, he fought for his constituents, and he was among the biggest fighters for the Gateway project and funding to fix the Portal Bridge,” said Utility and Transportation Contractors Association Executive Director David Rible. “He leaves behind an amazing legacy and big shoes to fill. Our condolences to his family, friends and the New Jersey residents he served for decades.”

“Congressman Pascrell was a spirited, tireless champion and admired voice for the City of Paterson and the people of New Jersey whose genuine care for his constituents is to be emulated,” New Jersey City University interim President Andrés Acebo. “As we mourn his loss, we equally celebrate his decades of contributions to strengthen our communities and to forge a better society.”

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 3:35 p.m. ET Aug. 21, 2024, with additional tributes.

Others we’ve lost this year:

• New Jersey mourns the loss of renowned journalist Michael Aron
• James Coleman Jr., NJ’s first Black Supreme Court justice, dies at 91 (updated)
• Jack Morey, second-generation owner of Morey’s Piers, dies at 63
• Village Super Market chair William Sumas dies following years-long cancer battle
• SCI Executive Director Lackey killed in car crash
• Newark native Rep. Donald Payne passes away at 65
• John K. Lloyd, former Hackensack Meridian Health co-CEO, dies at 77
• Well-known attorney Edward McManimon dies at 77