Ron Rice, longest-serving black legislator in NJ, dies at 77

NEWARK, New Jersey (WABC) -- Former New Jersey State Senator Ron Rice will be laid to rest on Saturday.

Services are set at the Perry Funeral Home in Newark.

Rice was the longest-serving black legislator in the state's history. He held his senate seat for more than 36 years.

Before that, he served as Newark deputy mayor, a city councilmember and a detective in the police department.

Rice was 77-years old.

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