Pascrell, 87: ‘At peace after a lifetime devoted to our great nation’

The one-sentence post attached to the top of his account on the social media platform formerly known as Twitter says so much about U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell:

“The Republican party’s record is so awful many people don’t believe it until they see it with their own eyes. Take a look,” he tweeted.

What followed was a list of 20 issues and causes Pascrell (D-9^th Dist.) said the Republican Party voted against, everything from cheaper prescription drugs to child tax credits to saving Roe v. Wade to building new roads and bridges to upholding the election.

The words are strong, straight to the point, highly partisan — and, of course, what he felt was in the best interests of his constituents.

It’s the type of attitude and action that helped Pascrell survive and thrive in a five-decade career in public service that included time served as a mayor (of Paterson), in the state Assembly and 14 terms in the House of Representatives.

Pascrell, 87, died Wednesday morning.

His family mourned him in a statement.

“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 running for reelection to his 9th District seat in November. Because his passing occurred more than 70 days before the general election, county party leaders will be able to handpick a new Democratic nominee by Aug. 29.

On this day, however, few folks are looking forward. Instead, they are looking back at Pascrell’s incredible career.

Pascrell was born Jan. 25, 1937, in Paterson. He served in the Army and the Army Reserve and was honorably discharged in 1967.

After attending Fordham University (where he earned an undergraduate degree in journalism and a master’s in philosophy), he became a high school history teacher — a profession that led him to his first public office.

He served on the Paterson board of education, then as a member of Passaic County Community College’s board of trustees. He was elected to the General Assembly in 1987. Soon after, he was elected mayor of Paterson. He held both positions (allowed then) until he was elected to Congress in 1996.

Gov. Phil Murphy said Pascrell was a legendary figure

“A son of the south side of Paterson, Bill developed a passion for public service at a young age,” he said. “He grew up in a tight-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 for drawing strength from our state’s diversity. He was a unifier in every sense of the word — and always sought to bring the people of New Jersey together around our shared principles.

“For Bill, public service came in many forms. He educated our nation’s students as a history teacher, as well as an adjunct professor. He served our nation in uniform. And he also served our neighbors in the Silk City as mayor, as well as a member of the state Assembly.

“But, for many New Jerseyans, Bill will be remembered most fondly for leading the fight for our families in Congress over the past 27 years. At every stage of his congressional career, he stood up for our neighbors by defending access to reproductive health care, keeping our communities safe from gun violence, supporting our law enforcement officers and first responders, protecting our natural wonders — like Paterson’s Great Falls — and so much more.”

Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way, who lives in Pascrell’s district, had a fond reflection.

“I will forever be grateful to Bill for the mentorship he showed me in my earliest years on the Passaic County board of commissioners, and for his friendship in every year after,” she said.

“Bill has been my family’s representative in Congress for nearly three decades and has been a force for good in New Jersey for even longer. A son of Paterson, Bill served in the Army for nine years before returning to his home state to teach. He served his students well before serving his community as a member of the New Jersey General Assembly, as mayor of Paterson and finally as our representative in Congress.

“To those of us who call Passaic County home, he will always be the sandlot player, who grew up to have a real shot at the big leagues, but chose New Jersey instead.”

Elected officials around the state sung his praises.

• Donald Norcross (D-1^st Dist.): “I’m devastated to learn of the passing of my dear friend, Rep. Bill Pascrell. Bill is the definition of a Jersey guy; he was smart, passionate and a true champion for his district and the state of New Jersey. After nearly 30 years of serving New Jersey, Bill delivered groundbreaking environmental protections and health care benefits to Americans everywhere. Bill was always committed to building a better future for the next generation and cared deeply about his community.”
• Mikie Sherril (D-11^th Dist.): “Today, my heart is heavy with the loss of my dear friend, colleague and mentor, Bill Pascrell. For his entire life — in the Army, as a high school history teacher, mayor, state legislator and member of Congress — Bill served others. I’ll never forget meeting Bill when I first ran for Congress. He took me under his wing, and I immediately saw his fierce love for New Jersey and pride for his beloved Paterson. From his legendary dance moves and poetry readings, to his infectious love of life and sharp sense of humor that could leave you in stitches, every New Jerseyan has their favorite Bill Pascrell memory.”
• Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-12^th Dist.): “I am terribly saddened to learn of the loss of my dear friend and colleague, Bill Pascrell. Bill served his country, community and constituents ably and honorably for decades, always putting the needs of those at home front and center in all his work. He was an engaging and thoughtful legislative partner who brought an effortless charm, affability and gregariousness to every endeavor, making the work feel like it wasn’t work at all. His wisdom and experience were invaluable to the lawmaking process, and I will sorely miss him in Congress.”

• State Senate President Nick Scutari (D-Clark): “Bill Pascrell was a true native son of New Jersey who never forgot where he came from, who he was or the people he served. From the diverse communities of Paterson to the halls of Congress, Bill fought for a better society for all Americans and worked tirelessly to bring people together. Congressman Pascrell devoted his life to public service, including the U. S. Army, as a high school history teacher, the mayor of his lifelong home of Paterson, a member of the General Assembly and a distinguished career in the House of Representatives. Bill was a man of honor who lived by the values of equality, justice and fairness. His passing is a sad loss for us all. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his wife, Elsie, their children William, Glenn, and David, and the entire Pascrell family.”

• Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin (D-Woodbridge): “Congressman Bill Pascrell was a lion of a man. He embodied the tenacious spirit of his beloved hometown of Paterson. He fought for a safer, more equitable future for his community and our country. His lifetime of service ran the gamut from local school board to our General Assembly and, finally, to the halls of Congress where he represented New Jersey so well for nearly 30 years. He never forgot where he came from, and he always put the people first.”

• Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco: “My heart is heavy after hearing about the passing of Congressman Bill Pascrell. A lifelong public servant to the people of New Jersey and Bergen County, Congressman Pascrell was a champion, an ally and a friend to all. A man who wore his hometown on his sleeve, Bill gave his all for his beloved Paterson, first as mayor and then as its congressman for 28 years. I had the distinct honor of working closely with Bill throughout his decades of service. As a staunch advocate of first responders, Congressman Pascrell worked tirelessly to secure federal funding for our Bergen County police officers, EMS personnel — and, especially, our firefighters. Even before he was in Washington, Congressman Pascrell began his service to the people of Bergen County as a public-school teacher at Paramus High School, where he shaped young minds for 12 years.”
• Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Congressman Pascrell, who was a fierce fighter for both Paterson and the 9th congressional district. I offer condolences to his loving family. On a personal level, he was a mentor and friend. Both times that I was elected mayor, he swore me in. Congressman Pascrell’s legacy will positively impact the lives of future generations, and he will be sorely missed.”