ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Three community leaders with deep connections to Essex County have passed away within the last month: Christine "Roz" Samuels, Joe Faccone, and Wilbur McNeil.
Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. posted messages of mourning for each of the deceased.
CHRISTINE SAMUELS
Christine Samuels died on July 16 at the age of 90. A funeral was held at St. Matthew AME Church in Orange.
According to her obituary, Samuels was a "pioneering educator, commentator, labor organizer, political activist and superdelegate." She dedicated her life to education, public service and civic engagement.
DiVincenzo said he first met Samuels when they both worked for the Newark Public School District. Their friendship grew as they both got involved in politics and worked to improve their community, he said.
"Roz was truly special, acting as a mentor to young teachers, speaking her mind and always doing what was right," DiVincenzo said. "Our condolences go out to her family."
Article continues below
JOE FACCONE
Joseph Faccone died on Aug. 8 at the age of 87. A funeral was held at St. Bartholomew the Apostle Roman Catholic Church in Scotch Plains, where he lived.
According to his obituary, Faccone joined Samuel Klein and Company, an independent accounting and consulting firm in Newark, after graduating college.
A licensed public accountant, registered municipal accountant and public school accountant, Faccone "took great pride in his career, dedicating himself to serving municipalities and school districts throughout New Jersey."
"Although he was not an elected official, Joe Faccone diligently served the residents of Essex County and New Jersey," DiVincenzo said.
"As a registered municipal accountant with Samuel Klein, Joe worked with numerous counties and municipalities across the state, including Essex County where he audited our accounting, worked with our tax board and provided financial information that helped us create our budgets," the county executive said.
According to DiVincenzo, Faccone's behind-th- scenes work provided "checks and balances" that were out of view from the public eye.
The county executive said he often reached out to Faccone for guidance.
"Joe's passing leaves a great void," he said. "My condolences go out to his family."
Article continues below
WILBUR MCNEIL
Wilbur McNeil died earlier this week at the age of 95. An obituary wasn't immediately available.
According to DiVincenzo, the longtime community advocate left a deep impression in Essex County and Newark, the location of Weequahic Park, which he worked for years to revitalize.
"Wilbur McNeil was a vocal advocate for Essex County Weequahic Park and a trailblazer when it came to promoting citizen advocacy for parks in New Jersey," he recalled.
McNeil created Essex County's first park conservancy, the Weequahic Park Association, in the 1990's to bring attention to the needs of the park.
DiVincenzo said that when he became county executive, he used the association as a model in his push to breathe new life into the local parks system.
"There is no doubt that Wilbur loved Weequahic Park the most – and we will miss his passion," DiVincenzo said.
The county executive wasn't the only one to remember McNeil with fondness and respect. The Weequahic Park Association also posted a message of mourning on Monday:
"It is with heavy hearts that we, the Weequahic Park Association, announce the passing of our fearless and esteemed co-founder, Mr. Wilbur J. McNeil, on Aug. 9, 2026. We do not yet have details of his celebration of life, but we will share it on social media and our website as soon as they are available. May he Rest In Power and Integrity, which stays alive in us."
Essex County officials dedicated a refurbished 2.2-mile walking path and outdoor fitness apparatus at the park in McNeil's name last year.
Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Newark Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.