Former Arizona Congressman Ed Pastor Mourned

 Community   Wed, November 28, 2018 06:28 PM

Washington D.C. -  Ed Pastor, Arizona’s first Latino Congressman and a former Chair of the Board of The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), has passed away from a heart attack.  

Phoenix Councilwoman Laura Pastor has released the following statement on the death of her father, Ed Pastor. “With heavy hearts, the Pastor family would like to inform the public that Congressman Ed Pastor passed away on Tuesday, November 27, 2018, at the age of 75.  Congressman Pastor served the people of Arizona for more than 40 years as a member of the U.S. Congress and a member of the Board of Supervisors for Maricopa County.  He was the first Mexican-American from Arizona elected to Congress. Congressman Pastor will be remembered for his commitment to his family, and his legacy of service to the community that he loved, the state of Arizona and the nation.  The Congressman’s wife of 53 years, Verma, would like to thank the first responders from Phoenix Fire Station 9 and the doctors and nurses at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center for the care they provided Ed in the final moments of his life.  At this time, the Pastor family asks for privacy as they mourn the loss of their husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle and leader.

CHCI made the following statement. “It is with great honor and affection that we remember the life and profound legacy of Rep. Pastor. A hero for the people of Arizona, Rep. Pastor was a devoted public servant and community advocate whose kind and generous personality made him one the most respected and effective leaders across party lines. 
 
The first Mexican-American from Arizona elected to Congress, Pastor was a longtime senior member of the U.S. House delegation. A member of the House Appropriations Committee and the Board of Supervisors for Maricopa County, Pastor also served as CHCI Chair from 1995-1996 and was an avid participant in fueling the institute's founding mission.“
 
“On behalf of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, our hearts and thoughts are with the family of our dear friend and visionary leader Rep. Ed Pastor,” said Domenika Lynch, CEO & President of CHCI. “A protector of civil rights and the American Dream, Ed Pastor’s legacy of leadership and unwavering commitment to the service will always be remembered and continue to inspire emerging Latino leaders for generations to come.”

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

 

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By T.L Oliver thomas@ediversity.net