By: Richard L. Smith
An admired and well-loved NJ State Senator from Essex County who served as a long-term legislator in the state has died.
County officials have confirmed with RLS Media that Senator Ronald Rice, 77, died earlier today of natural causes.
He represented the 28th Legislative District.
Rice is one of the longest-serving state senators in New Jersey history.
His son, Ronald C. Rice, is a former city councilman in Newark, New Jersey.
Rice left office effective August 31, 2022, due to health issues.
A soldier for change for residents in the city’s Ward Ward, coach, police officer, and a father figure to many young boys and men -including some of us here at RLS Media- Senator Rice will be missed by the masses.
Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. released the following statement about the passing of Senator Ron Rice:
“I am saddened by the passing of Senator Ron Rice. Ron was a tireless worker for Newark and its residents.
He was a trailblazer and icon who never compromised his ideals or principles. I am glad that we were able to recognize Ron by dedicating the new sports complex in Essex County Vailsburg Park when he was able to experience it.
My heart and thoughts are with his family.”
