New Jersey Democratic Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., the second-oldest member of the House, died Wednesday at age 87. His death was announced on his X account on Wednesday morning:
“It is with deep sadness that we announce that Bill Pascrell Jr., our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away this morning. 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 had been in and out of the hospital with an illness recently. He died Wednesday morning at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, New Jersey. The 14-term incumbent was slated to run for a 15th term in the fall.
“Bill Pascrell embodied the spirit of New Jersey. He was relentless fighting for his community. As a first son of Paterson, he never forgot where he came from, leaving an indelible mark on North Jersey as a mayor, a public-school teacher, an assemblyman, and a congressman who never, ever backed down from doing what was right. Bill was a fierce champion for the working class, always standing up for the little guy, fighting to ensure that New Jersey families got a fair shake-whether on the factory floor, in the classroom, or at the doctor’s office. Beyond his dedication, Bill was one of the funniest, most entertaining people you could ever meet. He was my friend and I was his” said Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. in a statement.
