Donald Payne obit

U.S. Representative Donald Payne dead at 77

 

He was not on the list.

U.S. Rep. Donald Payne, the elder statesman of New Jersey's congressional delegation, died after a months-long battle with colon cancer today, according to his office . The longtime politician was 77.

Payne announced last month he was under treatment for colon cancer but said that he expected to make a full recovery. Last week, though, his health took a turn for the worse.

He was hospitalized at Georgetown University Hospital, but on Friday was flown back to New Jersey on a medical transport, his brother William Payne said. After arriving at Teterboro airport, he was taken to Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston.

Payne, a Democrat who represented New Jersey's 10th congressional district for 23 years, was placed in hospice care and died at roughly 2:30 this morning, according to two officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to speak on behalf of the Payne family.

The state's first — and before his death its only active — black congressman, Payne headed one of Newark's most powerful political dynasties. His son Donald Payne Jr. is the Newark City Council president, as well as an Essex County Freeholder. His brother and lifelong political partner, William, is a former state assemblyman.

"He's had a tremendous impact on the state, country and the world," William Payne said.

Leaders from throughout the state and the country lined up today to express sorrow over the loss of a local and national hero.

"Michelle and I were saddened to hear about the passing of Congressman Donald Payne, Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and former Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus." President Obama said in a statement. "By any standard, Don lived a full and meaningful life."

DONALD PAYNE BIOGRAPHY

• Age: 77

• Hometown: Newark

• Family: Predeceased by his wife; survived by 3 children, 4 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild

• Education: Barringer High School graduate; Seton Hall University graduate; pursued graduate studies at Springfield College in Massachusetts

• Occupations: Newark School District teacher; executive with Prudential Financial; politician

• Distinctions: First African-American Congressman to be elected in New Jersey; first African-American president of the National Council of YMCAs.