Funeral held for longtime Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. of New Jersey

A funeral was held on Wednesday morning for longtime Congressman Bill Pascrell Jr. of New Jersey. Pascrell died one week ago at the age of 87.

It was a final farewell to a man who served this city and this nation with dignity and determination, held at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson.

He was a fighter, a passionate person for Paterson. He was one of a kind and on Wednesday dignitaries, former colleagues, and everyday citizens came out to say so long to a true Paterson hero.

Congressman Pascrell died last week after a short hospitalization and illness.

Pascrell will be remembered for his passion.

He served in the military and was a true family man.

He served as a member of the New Jersey general assembly, then as mayor of Paterson, and in 1996 he was elected to Congress and served the ninth district of New Jersey.

He was a fighter for issues involving police and firefighters.

Wednesday, we heard from the congressman's family as the eulogized him and shared stories.

"This is a personal one, dad driving, cop pulls us over. 'Do you know how fast you were going?' My dad says, 'The speed limit.' And I in the backseat said, 'No, dad, you were going 72,'" said Glenn Pascrell, the congressman's son.

"He did everything he could, as soon as he could, to help anyone who needed it. Now it is up to us to carry in his footsteps. Let us have the courage to follow in his example. See the good in one another, build bridges, and understand among us, and do everything we can to help one another," said William Pascrell, III, the congressman's son.

The Pascrell family described him as "the real deal." This was a celebration of the life of Bill Pascrell who will be missed by his family and the people he represented in New Jersey and around the country.

The 14-term incumbent was slated to run for a 15th term in the fall.

Pascrell is survived by his wife, Elsie; children, Bill, David, and Glenn; as well as six grandchildren.

Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News

Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.