NORTH JERSEY — Today, Wednesday, August 21, 2024, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) released the following statement on the passing of Congressman Bill Pascrell: 

“It’s hard to believe, but today, Jersey lost an absolute giant, a courageous fighter, and an unparalleled champion of hardworking families and first responders — my dear friend and mentor, and Paterson’s favorite son, Bill Pascrell. My heart goes out to Bill’s wife Elsie and his three children, Bill, David, and Glenn. May Bill’s memory be a blessing, and his remarkable legacy of service comfort them during this trying time. 

Bill was the consummate public servant. A veteran, an educator, a legislator, and a proud Italian American, Bill never forgot where he came from, for even a moment. He was feisty but fair, quick with a quip and a jab, and incredibly loyal.  Bill lived life to the fullest until the end — and we all loved him for it. He was Jersey through and through — and a ton of fun to be around. 

When I first ran for Congress, Bill took me under his wing and showed me the ropes. Freshman year in Congress is difficult, but he always had my back through the highs and the lows. Perched in the back row of the House floor, or at a podium, Bill was never afraid to tell me, or anyone, when he agreed — and, from time to time, disagreed.  Bill loved his Way and Means Committee, where he championed SALT and served Jersey with distinction, but not as much as the constituents he represented, or his family and friends he always talked about. 

My first event as a member of Congress was actually at a firehouse in Teaneck, New Jersey standing next to Bill, who immediately recruited me into the Congressional Law Enforcement Caucus and the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, which he proudly chaired. He loved being at a firehouse and standing with cops, firefighters, and EMTs. 

Bill was a true champion for our first responders and public safety. In 2000, he penned the landmark FIRE Act, which established the AFG grant program. A few years later, he helped establish SAFER grants. Those vital programs helped fire departments across the country claw back vital investment for training, protective gear, equipment, and other life-saving resources. Because of his heroic work for our firefighters, Paterson’s fire headquarters proudly bears his name.

We also worked closely to safeguard our houses of worship and communities from an epidemic of hate and bigotry. Just this year, amid the rising tide of antisemitism, Bill led the fight for more funding for the vital Nonprofit Security Grant Program. Bill worked around the clock and across the aisle to secure that funding. I cannot tell you how much our religious institutions appreciate that investment.

Thank you, Bill, for all that you did for our state and our country. We will miss you. You will never be forgotten, and it’s fair to say that Jersey will never be the same without you.”

###