State Sen. John McKeon (D-West Orange) released the following statement on the death of Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-Paterson):
“Congressman Bill Pascrell was the ultimate New Jersey public servant — gutsy, passionate, and endlessly dedicated to the people he represented, never losing his signature wit while on Capitol Hill.
“He had a steadfast commitment to others, which I experienced firsthand. When I was newly elected as mayor of West Orange, Congressman Pascrell, who represented our district in Congress, graciously offered me invaluable advice from his experience as the former mayor of Paterson. I was so inspired by his dedication to his hometown and state, championing the needs of everyday Americans on a local and national scale.
“My sincere sympathy and prayers go out to Congressman Pascrell’s wife, children, and grandchildren. He will be greatly missed.”