COUNCIL PRESIDENT LaMONICA R. McIVER STATEMENT

ON PASSING OF FORMER STATE SENATOR RONALD L. RICE

“Newark deeply mourns the passing of former State Senator, Deputy Mayor, and Newark Municipal Council Member Ronald L. Rice today.

“Ronald Rice was a true trail blazer! A warrior fighter for the people he served. With a decorative career and a dedicated lifetime of public service from a Newark Police Office and Detective, first African-American to hold a West Ward Council seat, Deputy Mayor, and NJ State Senator. He broke many barriers at the local and state government level. He was indeed one of my favorite public servants. He always lifted young leaders like myself up and was not afraid to offer advice and more importantly guidance and mentorship. He always spoke truth to power in any room.

On behalf of the Newark Municipal Council and all of Newark, we thank him and the entire Rice Family for his unwavering love and service to the City of Newark and the entire State of New Jersey. We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to the Rice family, friends, and loved ones.