Donald Payne Jr., who represented Maplewood and South Orange as part of the 10th Congressional district in New Jersey for 10 years before redistricting, died on April 24.
According to The New York Times, Payne had been hospitalized and unconscious since April 6, “when he sustained a heart attack resulting from complications of diabetes.”
His death was announced by Gov. Phil Murphy:
Tammy and I are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of our friend, and a steadfast champion for the people of New Jersey, Congressman Donald Payne, Jr.
With his signature bowtie, big heart, and tenacious spirit, Donald embodied the very best of public service. As a former union worker and toll collector, he deeply understood the struggles our working families face, and he fought valiantly to serve their needs, every single day. That purpose was the light that guided him through his early years as Newark City Council President and during his tenure on the Essex County Board of Commissioners. And it guided him still through his more than a decade of service in Congress.
It was my great honor to work side-by-side with Donald to build a stronger and fairer New Jersey, and we will hold his memory close to our hearts as we build upon the Payne family’s deep legacy of service in advocating for the communities they served so dearly.
Donald’s love will live on in the homes of his neighbors in Newark, who now have access to safe drinking water, and in the good-paying jobs he helped create for his brothers and sisters in labor. And it will live on in his wife Beatrice, and their three children, Donald III, Jack, and Yvonne, who were the pride of his life. Our heartfelt prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
Payne gathered with Maplewood and South Orange dignitaries and residents to celebrate the merger of the South Orange and Maplewood Fire Departments on October 9, 2022 in South Orange, New Jersey (Photography by Matt Peyton Photography)
Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. issued the following statement on Payne’s passing:
“The Payne family has a legacy of public service and Donald Payne Jr. continued that tradition as an elected official representing our community as a Councilman, Freeholder and Congressman. He was a passionate leader and advocate who adored Newark and Essex County and cared deeply about our residents. I am saddened by his passing. My deepest condolences and prayers go out to his family.”
Payne with South Orange-Maplewood students at the Town Hall for Our Lives, April 2018.
South Orange Mayor Sheena Collum posted:
“I’m really sad to share, if you haven’t heard the news, Congressman Donald Payne Jr. passed away. He was our Representative for a decade in South Orange. This is a shot of him from our firehouse welcoming new recruits to the South Essex Fire Department two months before our congressional redistricting took effect. I last saw him about a month ago on a Zoom and that was the last time I saw him.
“My deepest condolences, on behalf of the South Orange Village Council and the South Orange community to all his family, friends, staff, colleagues, and to all the constituents who loved him. Way too young. I’ve spoken to our Fire Chief, and we are lowering our flags to remember his service to South Orange and a lifetime of service to New Jerseyeans. May his memory be a blessing.
“Our flags are now at half-staff. Thank you South Essex Fire Department.”
From former Maplewood Mayor and current Township Committeeperson Victor De Luca:
“We lost a progressive giant with the passing of Congressman Donald Payne, Jr.
“For most of the 10 years Payne represented SOMA, I was Maplewood’s Mayor. We worked together on a number of issues, from common sense gun laws to small business assistance to Rahway River flooding to health care for all.
“I’ll never forget the town hall we had with the Congressman in February 2017. It was a packed meeting room in Maplewood Town Hall with nearly 300 people. Payne stood in front of the crowd for two hours answering questions. Donald Trump had just been sworn in as President and Payne wanted us to know that no matter who was president, he would continue fighting for social, economic and racial justice as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
“Payne loved Maplewood. He spent a lot of his childhood and teen years in town, staying at his Uncle Bill’s house. He talked to me often of his fond memories of the movie theater, ice cream at Grunnings, and pizza in the Village. He was truly disappointed when SOMA was moved out of his congressional district.
“We will never forget you Donald Payne, Jr. We thank you for your public service and your tireless commitment to justice.
“Rest in peace, my friend.”
Payne was also remembered by the South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race:
This story will be updated.
