Congressman Bill Pascrell was a lion of a man. He embodied the tenacious spirit of his beloved hometown of Paterson. He fought for a safer, more equitable future for his community and our country.

His lifetime of service ran the gamut from local school board to our General Assembly and, finally, to the halls of Congress where he represented New Jersey so well for nearly 30 years. He never forgot where he came from and he always put the people first.

Tish and I are praying for his wife Elsie, his three sons, and six grandchildren.