Former Newark City Councilman Dies At 63, Fought For Labor, Housing Rights

NEWARK, NJ — A former city councilman in Newark is being mourned after his passing earlier this week: Eddie Osborne.

Osborne – who served on the council for eight years – was also a longtime labor leader in North Jersey. He died on Oct. 12 at the age of 63.

A funeral and visitation are scheduled to take place on Wednesday, Oct. 21.

Osborne was elected to the council in 2014 and was re-elected in 2018. During his public service career, Osborne also served as chair of the Newark Housing Authority.

A message of mourning from his family members was recently posted to the former councilman’s social media page:

“He met Parkinson’s disease the way he met every challenge in life: with resolve, grace, and unwavering dignity. Even as the illness took its toll, he never lost his strength, his humor, or his spirit, and our family is deeply grateful for every moment we shared with him.”

Osborne was remembered as an integral part of Newark’s political history, who has helped to shape conversations about housing, employment and labor.

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of former Newark Councilmember Eddie Osborne, a dedicated public servant and labor leader who gave so much to the people of Newark,” Mayor Ras Baraka said.

“From the Municipal Council to the Newark Housing Authority and his leadership with LIUNA, Eddie’s life reflected a deep commitment to service and working families,” Baraka said. “His strength, dignity, and devotion to our city will be remembered.”

Newark Councilman Anibal Ramos also mourned Osborne’s passing.

“I was proud to serve with him on the Newark City Council and knew him for many years as a dedicated labor leader who always fought for working people,” Ramos wrote. “He will be deeply missed.”

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