Congressman Bill Pascrell Jr. Dies at 87

August 20, 2024 - Congressman Bill Pascrell Jr., a well-known figure in New Jersey politics, passed away on Tuesday. He was 87 years old. Pascrell, who served in the U.S. House of Representatives for more than two decades, was known for his dedication to his constituents and his tireless work in Congress.

Pascrell was born on January 25, 1937, in Paterson, New Jersey. He grew up in a working-class family and went on to attend Fordham University, where he earned a degree in journalism. After college, Pascrell served in the United States Army before starting his career in public service. His early career included teaching high school history and later serving on the Paterson Board of Education.

In 1988, Pascrell began his political career by winning a seat in the New Jersey General Assembly. He served there for eight years, where he worked on various issues such as education reform, healthcare, and transportation. His success in the state legislature paved the way for his entry into national politics.

In 1996, Pascrell ran for Congress in New Jersey’s 8th Congressional District. He won the election and took office in January 1997. Throughout his tenure, Pascrell was a strong advocate for the working class. He focused on issues like healthcare, workers' rights, and veterans' affairs. His efforts in these areas earned him a reputation as a congressman who truly cared about the people he represented.

One of Pascrell’s most notable achievements in Congress was his work on healthcare reform. He was a strong supporter of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which aimed to make healthcare more accessible and affordable for Americans. Pascrell often spoke about the importance of healthcare as a fundamental right. He believed that everyone should have access to quality healthcare, regardless of their income level. His advocacy for the ACA played a significant role in its passage in 2010.

Pascrell was also deeply committed to protecting the rights of workers. He fought for fair wages, better working conditions, and stronger labor unions. He believed that workers deserved to be treated with dignity and respect. His dedication to these issues earned him the support of many labor organizations.

In addition to his work on domestic issues, Pascrell was a strong advocate for veterans. As a veteran himself, he understood the challenges that many veterans face when they return home from service. He worked to improve healthcare services for veterans, increase funding for veteran programs, and ensure that veterans received the benefits they earned.

Throughout his career, Pascrell was known for his ability to work across party lines. He believed in the importance of bipartisanship and often worked with colleagues from both sides of the aisle to pass legislation. His approach to politics was rooted in his belief that the government should work for the people, and that meant finding common ground to get things done.

Pascrell’s dedication to his work earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and constituents. Even in his later years, he remained active in politics, continuing to advocate for the issues he cared about. He announced his retirement in 2023, citing health concerns as the primary reason for his decision.

Pascrell is survived by his wife, Elsie, and their three children. He was also a proud grandfather to five grandchildren. In a statement, his family expressed their deep sorrow at his passing and their gratitude for the outpouring of support from the community.

Congressman Bill Pascrell Jr. leaves behind a legacy of public service and a commitment to the people of New Jersey. His contributions to his state and country will be remembered for years to come. The date for his funeral has not yet been announced. However, many expect it to be attended by a large number of people, including political leaders and ordinary citizens alike, who want to pay their respects to a man who dedicated his life to serving others.