By: Richard L. Smith
Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., along with the Payne Family, has announced a series of commemorative events to honor the late Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr.
Recognized for his dedicated public service in Newark and Essex County, Payne will be the third dignitary to lie in state at the Essex County Historic Courthouse, following his father, Congressman Donald M. Payne, Sr. in 2012, and Lt. Governor Sheila Y. Oliver in 2023.
The public will have the opportunity to pay their respects on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at the Essex County Historic Courthouse located at 470 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. in Newark, NJ.
A private viewing for family and close associates will take place from 11 a.m. to 12 noon, followed by a public viewing from 12 noon until 12 midnight.
For those attending, the West Entrance on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd will serve as the main access point, with handicap accessibility available under the front steps on Springfield Avenue.
The Essex County Juror’s Parking Lot on South Orange Avenue will provide parking.
The funeral service is scheduled for the following day, Thursday, May 2, 2024, at 10 a.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, located at 89 Ridge Street in Newark.
Additional parking will be available at 208 Clifton Avenue across from the Cathedral.
The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Donald M. Payne, Sr. Global Foundation at 111 Mulberry Street, Unit 5C, Newark, NJ 07102, continuing the legacy of service and community support embodied by Congressman Payne.