Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr. dies at age 87: Video
Rep. Bill Pascrell, former mayor of Paterson who represented the city in Congress for nearly three decades, died on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. He was 87 years old.
Representative Bill Pascrell, a longtime Democrat who represented the Paterson area in Congress for nearly 30 years, died Wednesday at the age of 87, his family confirmed.
Government officials from across the country expressed their condolences and shared their memories with Pascrell.
Representative Frank Pallone of New Jersey’s 6th Congressional District posted on X (formerly Twitter) about the honor of serving alongside Pascrell.
Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco said Pascrell was “an advocate, an ally and a friend to all.”
Governor Phil Murphy said Pascrell was a “giant of New Jersey” and a lifelong advocate for “our most vulnerable neighbors.”
“As a son of Paterson’s south side, Bill developed a passion for public service at an early age,” Murphy said. “He grew up in a close-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 to draw strength from the diversity of our state. He was a unifier in the truest sense of the word – always seeking to unite the people of New Jersey on the basis of our shared principles.
Rep. Rob Menendez of New Jersey’s 8th District said Bill was “a tireless fighter.”
Philadelphia Congressman Brendan Boyle said Bill was “a great human being, legislator and friend.”
Rep. Veronica Escobar of Texas remembered Bill for his wit, kindness and dedication.
Representative Nydia Velazquez of New York remembered Pascrell as a dedicated public servant.
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.
