New Jersey this morning lost a man when former Paterson Councilman Eddie Cotton died.

The Paterson Times reported the news here.

He was a man, and he was also a legend.

Mr. Cotton was one of the best-known and best respected referees in the sport of professional prizefighting, whose celebrated work included the 2002 world heavyweight title match between Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson.

A graduate of Eastside High School, former director of public works in Paterson, elected official, and the husband of sitting Councilman Ruby Cotton, he succumbed to COVID-19 after ten days in the hospital.

It is an irreplaceable loss to the City of Paterson and to the international boxing world, an intersection this wise and graceful man bridged seemingly effortlessly, as a model of excellence, both in Paterson and on the planet.

If you spent any time with him, you know.

He was one of those New Jersey spirits who epitomized pride in local service and community and the vast presence of one well-travelled in life. Humble and with a genteel demeanor, he was that lone force who could separate otherwise immovable objects and command respect, both in the ring and in the fight of life.

Mr. Eddie Cotton, InsiderNJ salutes you, warrior and man.