Longtime New Jersey Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr. died Wednesday morning, his family announced on X.
He was 87 years old.
Pascrell, a Democrat, represented the Garden State’s 9th district from 1997 until his death.
He also served four terms in the New Jersey General Assembly and was the mayor of his hometown, Paterson, from 1990 through 1997.
“As our United States Representative, Bill fought to his last breath to return to the job he cherished and to the people he loved,” the family’s statement read.
“Bill lived his entire life in Paterson and had an unwavering love for the city he grew up in and served. He is now at peace after a lifetime devoted to our great nation America.”
Pascrell was admitted to St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Paterson on July 14, where he spent time in intensive care for a respiratory illness, the New Jersey Globe reported.
He was discharged to a rehab facility on Aug. 7, but was hospitalized again just 10 days before his death, according to NBC News.
