A local legend has fallen in Bloomfield.

Pete Strumolo, former longtime chairman of the Democratic Party in the Essex County town, has died.

He was 76.

Friends remembered Mr. Strumolo as a leader who helped people, both through his political connections and his considerable grassroots organizing abilities.

Mr. Strumulo was close to Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo and the circle of party power in his home county, He helped get sitting Mayor Mike Venezia elected.

Hit hard by COVID-19, the chairman battled through that crisis, surviving the worst of the original strain. His sister, Belleville Councilwoman Marie Strumolo-Burke, was not surprised by her brother’s toughness as he outlasted the virus.

Tough was Mr. Strumolo’s calling card – along with kindness.

“RIP to the now late great Pete Strumolo,” Anthony Sessa posted on Facebook. “Pete was called home to the Lord early this morning & he will be deeply & sorely missed. Pete was a true class act & a very dear friend. Pete was Bloomfield through & through, but also had deep Belleville roots as well. His many decades of dedicated political & community service is 2nd to none. My deepest thoughts & prayers go out to the entire Strumolo Family. May God Bless Pete & the entire Strumolo Family always & forever.”