New Jersey Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., a 14-term incumbent and a fixture in his hometown of Paterson for more than 40 years, passed away Wednesday at the age of 87. "Bill, a devoted grandfather, father and husband, embodied the kind of collaborative leadership that is sorely missing in Washington today," said COPOMIAO President Basil Russo.

"His elevation and preservation of the Italian American culture was truly inspiring. He was an extremely important figure in our community, and we are truly grateful for his decades of advocacy." Pascrell's unwavering defense of Columbus Day preserved the holiday on the federal level. and he played a direct role in establishing October as Italian American Heritage Month.

After Hurricane Sandy ravaged his state’s shoreline in 2012, causing $65 billion in damage, some lawmakers blinked at approving aid. Pascrell took to the House floor to chastise them: “I don’t think that this is time for a pedantic debate. It’s time to take the gloves off — Jersey-style." The House passed the legislation two days later.

Pascrell served as co-chair of the bipartisan Italian American Congressional Delegation, and prior to his passing, the stalwart politician and leader was slated to run for a 15th term in the fall.

He died Wednesday morning at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, New Jersey, following a recent illness.