(TRENTON) – Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin (D-Middlesex) released the following statement on the passing of Steve Adubato Sr., former Democratic Party chairman of Newark’s North Ward and founder of the nonprofit The North Ward Center, which has provided educational, cultural and social services since 1970:
“Steve Adubato never stopped working to make his community a better place. It’s because of him that thousands of children in Newark have had access to quality preschool through The North Ward Center, which also offers education and family support programs. A titan of Essex County, Adubato shaped the political atmosphere in Newark for generations, helping to elect leaders with shared goals. He was a teacher, a mentor, a leader and a public servant. After 87 years of unparalleled dedication, he left this world better than he found it. His legacy will never be forgotten.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the Adubato family at this difficult time.”