NJ Congressman Donald Payne Dies Of Colon Cancer

Democratic Congressman Donald Payne lost his battle with colon cancer this week at a New Jersey Hospital. William Payne has confirmed his brother passed away early Tuesday morning at Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston. The New Jersey congressman was 77-years-old. He is survived by three adult children.

"His legacy in Congress will be that he served the small man," William Payne said. "Although he walked among kings, he never lost the common touch. He was concerned about people who needed food stamps."

"New Jersey has lost a noble public servant, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Rep. Payne have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor,” Payne’s office said in a statement.

"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. By any standard, Don lived a full and meaningful life,” President Barack Obama said in a statement.

Rep. Payne, who was assigned to House committees on education and foreign affairs, was serving his 12th term in Congress. He was first elected in 1988.

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