Donald Payne of New Jersey Dies at Age 77

Donald Payne of New Jersey Dies at Age 77: U.S. Congressman Donald Payne, Congressman from New Jersey, the first black, died yesterday after months of battle with colon cancer. He was 77.

Payne are 10 congressional district, which covers parts of Bayonne and Jersey City, in addition to the countries of the Union and Essex. First elected in 1988, he promised to seek re-election in November, even after announcing that he was undergoing treatment for cancer.

Hudson County politicians mourned the passing of senior government delegation of the Congress government, calling him a tireless public servant, a fighter for all people and, above all, sir.

Payne efforts in health, education and human rights "as his successor for years to come," said U.S. Congressman Albio producers who represent the 13 District Congress.

"He was a champion of all people, and I think that everyone should be able to realize their full potential," he said.

Payne was admitted to Georgetown University Hospital, but he was repatriated to New Jersey on Friday. After being taken to St. Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, he died at about 2:30 am

U.S. Rep. Steve Rothman, who represents the ninth district, Payne referred to as "enormous."

"He was a true pioneer and a fighter for human rights and citizens in our country and around the world," said Rothman.

Payne, who lived in Newark, left three children, four grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Prior to his election to Congress in 1988, Payne was a schoolteacher, Executive Prudential, Newark, Essex County Councillor and freeholder.

Mayors of Bayonne and Jersey Payne welcomed the efforts of representing their constituents in the 10th arrondissement of Paris. Jerramiah Healy of Jersey City mayor said Payne was always ready to help the city authorities, if necessary.

"He was a staunch defender of his constituents, but he is also always a gentleman of the first order, which is something that is becoming less and less as time goes on," said Healy.

Bayonne Mayor Mark Smith called Payne "a great public servant" and a real advocate for the elderly, working families and children in Bayonne.

"His tireless efforts on behalf of public schools, affordable health care and closing the achievement gap will not soon be forgotten," said Smith. "We're more for the fact that Congress had Payne in our lives."