Bill Pascrell, a long-serving Democrat from New Jersey who represented the Paterson area for almost 30 years in Congress, passed away on Wednesday, according to his family. He was 87 years old.

As a resident of Paterson and the city’s former mayor, Pascrell entered Congress in 1996 and has been part of the House Ways and Means Committee since 2007.

He became well-known for his support of first responders, particularly firefighters. He successfully campaigned to secure funding for his North Jersey district and was the driving force behind the Firefighter Investment and Response Enhancement Act of 2000, which created the first federal program to provide grants directly to fire departments throughout the country.

Recently, Pascrell spent 24 days in the hospital requiring “breathing assistance,” according to his staff. Though released, he faced a medical complication on August 11 that necessitated his transfer from a rehabilitation center in Essex County to Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston.

During former President Barack Obama’s administration, Pascrell played a crucial role in achieving national historical park status for the Great Falls, known as the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park. He also co-chaired the Italian-American Congressional Delegation.

On Wednesday, Pascrell’s family shared a message on his social media account on X, formerly Twitter.

“We are deeply saddened to announce that Bill Pascrell Jr., our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away this morning,” the family’s statement read. “As our United States Representative, Bill fought right up to his last moments to return to the work he cherished and to the people he cared for deeply.”

“Bill lived his entire life in Paterson and had an enduring love for the city where he was raised and served,” they continued. “He rests in peace after dedicating his life to our great nation, America.”

Prior to his congressional career, Pascrell served in the state General Assembly and was the mayor of Paterson. He was also recruited into the U.S. Army.

He attended St. George’s Elementary School and St. John the Baptist High School in Paterson, then went on to Fordham University, where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

After graduating, he became a high school history teacher and an adjunct professor, also serving on the Paterson Board of Education and the Passaic County Community College’s Board of Trustees.

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

Katie Sobko covers the New Jersey Statehouse. Reach out at sobko@northjersey.com