Albert Coutinho of Newark, beloved leader of the Ironbound, a vital and generous community spirit, died this morning in a car accident.

He was 56.

Elected to the General Assembly in 2007, Mr. Coutinho served until 2013. During his time in the Legislature, he had a reputation as a highly collegial policy expert, especially on the economy, budget-related issues, and urban development. He also served an unexpired term in the Assembly earlier in his life, from 1997-1998.

A family man first and last, the former assemblyman was devoted to his brother Billy.

He loved Newark and the East Ward and played a critical role in the development of youth soccer.

The son of Mariazinha and the late Bernardino Coutinho, founder and organizer of Portugal Day in Newark, Albert Coutinho always proudly advanced the culture and values of his Portuguese Community in the United States. He was close to East Ward Councilman Michael Silva, former Sheriff Armando Fontoura, and East Ward Democratic Party leader Joe Parlavecchio, among many others.

Mr. Coutinho first ran for the Assembly on a successful legislative ticket that included M. Teresa Ruiz and L. Grace Spencer and represented a strengthened alliance between Mayor Cory Booker and the late Steve Adubato, Sr. of the North Ward.

Mr. Coutinho's friend, Eliana Pintor Marin, succeeded him in the Legislature.

Throughout his days, Mr. Coutinho remained engaged in the political and cultural events of his home city of Newark and was a friend to anyone in need.

From RLS Media:

A violent two-vehicle crash early Sunday morning claimed the life of a former New Jersey lawmaker in Newark, according to preliminary information confirmed by family and community sources.

The incident occurred just before 7:30 a.m. along Route 21 near South Street in Newark. 

Multiple 911 calls reported a serious crash involving two vehicles, one of which became engulfed in flames following the impact.

From NJ Spotlight News in 2013: