U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., longtime New Jersey member of Congress, dies at 87

U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, the veteran New Jersey Democrat who represented the Paterson area in Congress for nearly three decades, died Wednesday, his family confirmed. He was 87.

A Paterson resident and former Paterson mayor, Pascrell was first elected to Congress in 1996 and had served on the House Ways and Means Committee since 2007.

Pascrell was widely known for being an advocate for first responders, especially firefighters. He worked to bring grants back to his North Jersey district and spearheaded the Firefighter Investment and Response Enhancement Act of 2000 to establish the only federal program that delivers grant funding directly to fire departments across America.

Pascrell had recently spent 24 days in the hospital during which he needed what his staff said was “breathing assistance.” He was released, but then on Aug. 11 suffered a medical setback and was taken from a rehabilitation facility in Essex County to Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston.

Pascrell was instrumental in getting the Great Falls recognized as the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park during the administration of former President Barack Obama. He also served as co-chair of the Italian-American Congressional Delegation.

Pascrell's family posted Wednesday on the congressman's account on X, formerly called Twitter.

"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 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," they said. "He is now at peace after a lifetime devoted to our great nation America."

Before making his way to Washington, Pascrell served in the state General Assembly and then as the 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, then studied at Fordham University, where he received both bachelor’s and master’s degree.

He became a high school history teacher and an adjunct professor and was a member of the Paterson Board of Education and the Passaic County Community College’s Board of Trustees.

He is survived by his wife Elsie, three children and five grandchildren.

Katie Sobko covers the New Jersey Statehouse. Email: sobko@northjersey.com

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., longtime New Jersey member of Congress, dies at 87