Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., the esteemed Democrat who served the Paterson area in Congress for nearly 30 years, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 87. His family confirmed his death, marking the end of a remarkable political career.
Pascrell was a lifelong resident of Paterson and served as its mayor before joining Congress in 1996. His tenure in the House of Representatives was notable for his outspoken and combative style, reflecting his image as a street-savvy politician who never shied away from a fight. He held a significant position on the House Ways and Means Committee from 2007 onwards.
A staunch advocate for first responders, especially firefighters, Pascrell was known for his work in securing grants for fire departments through the Firefighter Investment and Response Enhancement Act of 2000. This federal program was the only one of its kind at the time, providing crucial funding directly to fire departments across the nation.
Pascrell’s health had recently declined, leading to a 24-day hospitalization where he required breathing assistance. After being released, he suffered a setback on August 11, resulting in his transfer from a rehabilitation facility to Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston.
Throughout his career, Pascrell achieved significant milestones, including the designation of the Great Falls in Paterson as a national historical park during the Obama administration. He also co-chaired the Italian-American Congressional Delegation. His family announced his passing on social media, highlighting his dedication to his constituents and his love for Paterson.
In 2012, Pascrell faced a tough primary challenge due to redistricting, competing against fellow Democrat Steve Rothman. With strong support from Paterson, he won the primary with about 61% of the vote. More recently, he easily defeated a primary challenger in June 2024, despite criticism from some North Jersey communities regarding his stance on international conflicts.
Pascrell was set to face Republican Billy Prempeh in the November election, a candidate he had previously defeated. With his passing, Governor Phil Murphy will need to call a special election to fill the remainder of Pascrell’s term. Potential candidates for the seat include Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh and Assembly representatives Shavonda Sumter and Benjie Wimberly.
Before his congressional career, Pascrell served in the state General Assembly, as Paterson’s mayor, and in the U.S. Army. He was educated at St. George’s Elementary School, St. John the Baptist High School, and Fordham University, where he earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Pascrell’s background also included roles as a high school history teacher, adjunct professor, and member of local educational boards.
