Bill Pascrell Jr., New Jersey congressman for 30 years, dies at age 87
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Gottheimer and Pascrell announce federal funds to support firefighters
Congressmen Josh Gottheimer and Bill Pascrell Jr. announce grants for specialized equipment to remove carcinogens from firefighter uniforms. Monday, February 10, 2020
Kevin R. Wexler, North Jersey
Rep. Bill Pascrell, the longtime Democrat who represented the Paterson area in Congress for nearly three decades, died Wednesday, his family confirmed. He was 87.
Pascrell, a Paterson resident and former mayor of Paterson, was first elected to Congress in 1996 and has served on the House Appropriations Committee since 2007.
Pascrell was widely known as an advocate for first responders, especially firefighters. He pushed for grants to be restored to his district and spearheaded the Firefighter Investment and Response Enhancement Act of 2000, which created the only federal program that provides grants directly to fire departments across America.
Pascrell recently completed a 24-day hospital stay during which he required “respiratory assistance,” according to his staff. He was released, but then suffered a medical setback on Aug. 11 and was transferred from a rehabilitation facility in Essex County to Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston.
Pascrell was instrumental in having the Great Falls recognized as the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park during former President Barack Obama’s administration and served as co-chair of the Italian-American Congressional Delegation.
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Pascrell’s family posted a message on the congressman’s X-Account (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce that Bill Pascrell Jr., our beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away this morning,” the family wrote. “As our United States Representative, Bill fought until his final breath to return to the job he loved so much and to the people he loved.”
“Bill was a lifelong Paterson resident and had an unwavering love for the city he grew up in and served,” they said. “He now rests in peace after dedicating his life to our great nation of America.”
Before coming to Washington, Pascrell served as a member of the state General Assembly and then as mayor of Paterson. He also served in the U.S. Army.
Pascrell attended St. George’s Elementary School in Paterson and St. John the Baptist High School and then attended Fordham University, where he received both bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
He became a high school history teacher and adjunct professor and served on the Paterson Board of Education and the Board of Trustees of Passaic County Community College.
He leaves behind his wife Elsie, three children and five grandchildren.
Katie Sobko covers the New Jersey Statehouse. Email: [email protected]
