PATERSON, NJ – Longtime New Jersey Representative Bill Pascrell, Jr. has died.

His family announced his death on social media.

“As our United States Representative, Bill fought until his final breath to return to the job he loved so much and the people he loved. Bill lived in Paterson his entire life and had an unwavering love for the city he grew up in and served. He now rests in peace after dedicating his life to our great nation of America,” they wrote.

Pascrell was 87 years old. The cause of death has not yet been determined, but he was recently hospitalized.

Pascrell, a Democrat, was a graduate of Fordham University and served in the Army for six years. He was first elected to the New Jersey General Assembly in 1988 and was elected mayor of Paterson in 1990. He became a member of Congress in 1996.

“Bill Pascrell embodied the spirit of New Jersey”

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy praised Pascrell as “a giant of New Jersey and a lifelong champion of the interests of our most vulnerable citizens.”

“He was a unifier in every sense of the word – always trying to unite the people of New Jersey based on our shared principles,” Murphy said. “But many New Jerseyans will remember Bill most for leading the fight for our families over the last 27 years in Congress. At every stage of his congressional career, he stood up for our neighbors by defending access to reproductive health care, protecting our communities from gun violence, supporting our police officers and first responders, protecting our natural wonders – like the Great Falls in Paterson – and much more.”

“Bill Pascrell embodied the spirit of New Jersey. He fought tirelessly for his community. As the First Son of Paterson, he never forgot where he came from and left an indelible mark on North Jersey as a mayor, public school teacher, state legislator and congressman who never wavered from doing what was right. Bill was a passionate champion of the working class who always stood up for the little people and fought to ensure that New Jersey families were treated fairly – whether on the factory floor, in the classroom or in the doctor’s office. In addition to his dedication, Bill was one of the funniest and most entertaining people you could ever meet. He was my friend and I was his,” said Assemblyman Frank Pallone.

“My heart is breaking right now. What a deep sadness there is in New Jersey over the loss of Bill Pascrell. I miss him and I give his family and community all the love and strength I can muster.” MP Andy Kim wrote on social media.

“Today I am heartbroken by the loss of my dear friend, colleague and mentor, Bill Pascrell. Throughout his life – in the Army, as a high school history teacher, as a mayor, state representative and member of Congress – Bill served others,” said Rep. Mikie Sherrill. “I will never forget meeting Bill when I first ran for Congress. He took me under his wing and I immediately saw his passionate love for New Jersey and pride in his beloved Paterson. From his legendary dance moves and poetry readings to his infectious love of life and sharp sense of humor that could make you scream with laughter, every New Jersey resident has their favorite memory of Bill Pascrell.”

“Bill Pascrell was more than a colleague, he was a friend, mentor and someone I greatly admired and loved. Bill was Paterson through and through – tough but compassionate, a tireless fighter who always stood up for his constituents and never faced a fight he wasn’t willing to take on. He loved his job and did it every day with determination. His voice, his work and his dedication will never be forgotten. But today is a sad day. I will miss Bill so much,” Rep. Rob Menendez wrote on social media. “It’s hard to imagine returning to DC and not seeing him there in the House in the back corner holding court sessions or gathering after votes to catch up over a meal. He was a true friend and I will forever cherish our time together and carry his memory with me always. May he rest in peace.”

“I am saddened to hear of the passing of Congressman Bill Pascrell. Bill represented New Jersey with determination, energy and enthusiasm and never shied away from a fight when it came to protecting the rights of our citizens. For many years, we were fortunate to have Bill represent Essex when part of our county was added to his constituency. We will all miss his leadership and friendship. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family,” said Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr., Essex County Executive.

Pascrell is the second member of Congress from New Jersey to die while in office this year. Rep. Donald Payne, Jr. died in April.