Hudson County electeds mourn the passing of U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, 87

Hudson County electeds are mourning the passing of U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-9), who had just decisively won the Democratic primary in June as he was finishing out his 14th term in the House.

By John Heinis/Hudson County View

“It is with deep sadness that we announce that Bill Pascrell Jr., our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away this morning,” his office wrote on social media 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.”

A former Paterson mayor and state assemblyman, Pascrell was first elected to Congress in 1996. While the 9th Congressional District is Passaic and Bergen County-heavy, it also includes Secaucus and parts of Kearny.

The congressman easily defeated Prospect Park Mayor Mayor Mohamed Khairullah in the June 4th primary, winning by a margin of about 76-24.

That had him poised for a third matchup with Republican nominee Billy Prempeh, who Pascrell bested by margins of approximately 66-32 and 55-44 in 2020 and 2022, respectively.

However, health issues had Pascrell in and out of the hospital for the past month before to his office announcing his passing.

U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez (D-8) called the congressman a mentor who helped him immensely during his first term.

“Bill Pascrell was more than a colleague, he was a friend, mentor and someone who I greatly admired and loved. Bill was Paterson to his core – tough but compassionate, a relentless fighter who always championed his constituents and never encountered a fight he wasn’t ready to take on,” he posted on social media.

He loved his job and he did it with purpose every single day. His voice, his work, and his dedication will never be forgotten. But today is a sad day. I’m going to miss Bill so very much. It’s hard to think about going back to DC and not seeing him there on the House floor in the back corner holding court or after votes getting together to connect over a meal. He was a true friend and I will forever cherish our time together and I will always carry his memory with me. May he rest in peace.

Hudson County Executive Craig Guy, also the chair of the county Democrats who had Pascrell speak at his inauguration in January, reflected on his accomplishments.

“It is with deep sorrow that we extend our heartfelt condolences on the passing of Congressman Bill Pascrell, a statesman whose extraordinary life of service spanned four decades. Congressman Pascrell was more than just a public servant—he was a pillar of our community, a voice of reason, and a tireless advocate for the people he passionately represented,” he said in a statement.

“His legacy is one of dedication and public service, marked by innumerable achievements that have impacted our community and our nation. In these past weeks, as he faced his final battle with the same courage and resolve that defined his life, we held hope that he would once again overcome the odds.”

Former Gov. Jim McGreevey, a declared candidate for Jersey City mayor, also expressed fond memories of the veteran federal lawmaker.

“Few persons were as passionately committed to working persons and working families as Congressman Bill Pascrell. Bill had a powerful, irrevocable commitment to the working person, to the immigrant, to the hardworking family, who sacrifices, while paying bills,” he wrote in his own statement.

“Bill’s relationships and friendships were forged over years, if not decades. Bill was a dear friend of my Dad. They would meet at the Tic Toc Diner and discuss life, their families, their children, and occasionally politics. Throughout my political career, Congressman Pascrell continuously gave me the best, unvarnished advice: to be oneself, to fight for the working gal and guy, and to do one’s best.”

Another mayoral candidate, Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea (D-2), explained how he had known Pascrell since the very early days of their political careers.

“I lost a friend today. I met Bill Pascrell in 1986- I was a 27 year old councilman in Jersey City and a mutual friend asked if I wanted to help out on a Mayoral campaign in Paterson- I said “what the hell” and myself and Councilman Tom Fricchione put a group together as a ‘street team’ to help Bill Pascrell,” he recalled

“I remember one night, when putting up pole signs for Bill, we took down hundreds of his opponents. When we brought them back to his HQ’s Bill and John Currie said, ‘Wow! Guys we don’t take down the other guys signs in Paterson.’ We chuckled and said, ‘Opps, we do in Jersey City’-and brought them back home with us.”

Jersey City Ward E Councilman James Solomon, a likely mayoral candidate, also commemorated Pascrell’s long career in public service.

“Bill Pascrell left a long and distinguished legacy of progress in New Jersey and beyond, working tirelessly to stand up for working people. As a state, we are immensely grateful for his decades of service, and my thoughts are with his family as they mourn his loss,” he posted on X.

New Jersey City University Interim President Andres Acebo also paid tribute to Pascrell.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Bill Pascrell, Jr., whose legacy of integrity and service to the communities of the 8th and 9th Congressional District, and New Jersey as a whole, has left a profound mark on our society. 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,” he reflected.

“As we mourn his loss, we equally celebrate his decades of contributions to strengthen our communities and to forge a better society.”

Assemblyman Julio Marenco (D-33), a former intern for Pascrell, reflected fondly on his old boss.

“My first experience in public service was serving as an intern on Bill Pascrell’s first Congressional campaign, and ever since then I have always considered myself a proud Pascrell alumni. I’m incredibly sad to hear this news and my heart goes out to Congressman Pascrell’s wife, Elsie, their children, Bill, David, Glenn and their entire family,” he wrote in a statement.

“He worked so hard for his constituents each and every single day of his career. Congressman Pascrell was a true gentleman, a god-fearing person and someone who never forgot his working class roots in Paterson. We will all continue to be inspired by his commitment to serving our country and his community.”

North Bergen Mayor Nick Sacco also praised Pascrell for his nearly four decades of service as an elected official.

“Bill’s commitment to justice, equality, and the well-being of his constituents was clear in everything he did. He was known for his ability to connect with people, listen to their concerns, and advocate for them effectively,” he added in a separate statement.

“His contributions to our state will not be forgotten. Our thoughts are with Bill’s family and loved ones during this time. New Jersey has lost a dedicated public servant, and his legacy will continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps.”

Pascrell is the second New Jersey congressman to pass away in the past four months, with U.S. Rep. Donald Payne (D-10) dying due to complications from a heart attack back in April.