NEWARK – One of the greatest African American and Essex County pioneers for true service to the community has left the earth at 77 years of age.
Senator Ronald L. Rice was born December 18, 1945 in Richmond, Va. After growing up under Jim Crow laws in the South, Rice made his way up north to pursue new avenues. From 1966-70, he was enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, and from 1968-69, he served in the Vietnam War, earning Presidential and Navy Unit Citations. After his tour, he was honorably discharged with the rank of sergeant.
According to a legacy profile on the New Jersey State Democrats website, Rice received an associate’s degree in police science at Essex County Community College, a bachelor’s degree at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, New York, in 1976, and his master’s degree at the Rutgers University Graduate School of Criminal Justice in 1979. He also attended Rutgers University School of Law.
Rice joined the Newark Police Department in 1972, and became a detective in 1974. He left the Police Department in 1980 to join the Public Service Electric & Gas Company as a member of the management team in the safety and security department. In 1982, Mr. Rice transferred to the Public Service community affairs management team.
In 1982, he won the West Ward council election to earn a seat on the Newark City Council, and was re-elected in 1986, 1990 and 1994. In July 2002, he was appointed deputy mayor of Newark. In 1998, he lost a bid for mayor of Newark to incumbent Sharpe James. Rice would run again in 2006 after James decided not to run, but lost to Cory A. Booker.
Rice won his Senate seat in a special election Nov. 18, 1986, for the unexpired term of the late John P. Caufield, who died on Aug. 24. Mr. Rice was sworn and took his seat Dec. 4, 1986. He was elected to a full term in 1987, and re-elected nine times. His service of 36 years is a record for an African American legislator in New Jersey.
After his election to the Senate, he resigned his position with the utility company, to devote full time to his legislative and municipal offices.
Senator Rice sponsored legislation in the areas of criminal justice, healthcare, affordable housing, tenant rights, employee rights and education.
“Senator Rice was famous for not going along with the wishes of the establishment, choosing to instead advocate for his constituents, regardless of whoever he ticked off,” said “Local Talk” Content Editor Kristopher Seals. “He was also an elected servant who you would actually see in the community. We actually went to the same pizza joint, and he was always cordial, and never one of those ‘superiority complex’ elected officials who assume they tell you what to do, rather than the other way around. Rest in peace, Ron.”
Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka made a statement on the passing of former State Senator Ronald L. Rice:
“All of Newark is saddened to learn of the passing of former State Senator, Deputy Mayor, and Municipal Council Member Ronald L. Rice today.
“Ronald Rice wore many hats with distinction in a career of public service that lasted more than four decades – Newark Police Detective, first African-American to hold a West Ward Council seat, Deputy Mayor, first African-American to hold elected office in both state and local government. Known as the ‘Lion of the Legislature,’ he served as State Senator for 36 years, 18 of them as chair of the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus. He was one of my great advisers and mentors.
“In Trenton, he was both warrior and diplomat – fervent in his fight for the needs of our residents, and their quality of life. He was unwavering in his conviction that America will attain its highest ideals of liberty and justice and his sights were laser-focused on the long game of racial equality. He championed the discarded and disenfranchised and uplifted women, seniors, and children. He offered leadership and guidance to colleagues and constituents, and mentored many active and aspiring leaders throughout the state.
“Ron Rice was always there for Newark when we needed him, and we thank him for his immense commitment to public service and hard work. I know that all of Newark joins me in gratitude for his life, mourning his loss, and extending our prayers and condolences to the Rice family.”
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.”
Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz issued the following statement on the passing of former Senator Ronald L. Rice:
“Today we lost a giant, a man who lived his commitment to public service over a lifetime of hard work, sacrifice and dedication to the residents of Newark, his legislative district and the State of New Jersey. As we remember Senator Rice, it is my hope that his loved ones can take comfort in the legacy he leaves behind as a trailblazer, a fierce advocate and above all else, a friend.”
In 2022, Rice resigned from his post as State Senator in the wake of his wife Shirley’s passing and declining health due to cancer. He is survived by daughter Yuki, son Ronald C. Rice, a former West Ward councilman, and grandchildren.
