Steve Adubato, Longtime Political Force In Newark, Passes Away

NEWARK, NJ — A well-known political leader in Newark has passed away: Stephen Adubato Sr.

Adubato, a veteran educator who entered politics and was particularly influential in the North Ward of the city, died after a long illness. He was 87, the New Jersey Globe reported.

Adubato founded The North Ward Center in 1970 and Robert Treat Academy in 1997, one of the first charter schools in the state, TAP Into Newark reported.

Gov. Phil Murphy was among the mourners. He wrote:

"Few have had as large or as meaningful and longstanding an impact on the City of Newark and the lives of its residents as ‘Big Steve.’ In politics and civic life, he guided multiple generations of leaders. The North Ward Center remains a place where people of all ages and abilities from underserved backgrounds can find opportunities that would have otherwise escaped them. At a time when others were all too quick to write Newark off, Steve saw its potential and worked tirelessly to realize its promise. The rising Newark of today is a testament to his dedication, and its continued momentum will be among his many legacies. Tammy and I send our thoughts and prayers to his wife, Fran, his children Steve, Michele, and Theresa, and everyone who called him a friend and mentor."

U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez said he knew Adubato since he first ran for Congress and Newark’s North Ward was in his district.

"What started out as a tough introduction turned into a long personal relationship fighting on behalf of the people of Newark," Menendez said. "For all his toughness, Steve will be remembered for every child who passes through the Robert Treat Academy, for every person empowered at the North Ward Center, and every client treated with dignity and care at Casa Israel."

"I offer my sincere condolences to Fran, Steve, Jr., Michelle, Theresa and the entire Adubato family, and to the countless residents of Newark impacted by Steve’s life’s work who mourn this tremendous loss," Menendez said.

U.S. Rep. Albio Sires also offered a tribute to Adubato. Sires wrote:

"I was saddened to hear about the passing of my good friend and founder of the North Ward Center, Steve Adubato Sr. My condolences to his wife Fran, his children Stephen Jr., Michelle, Theresa, and the entire Adubato family. Stephen dedicated his life to ensuring the children and residents of Newark had the best education and services possible. He loved his home town of Newark and his vision for the Newark community has positively impacted countless individuals and families by bolstering their quality of life. Stephen Adubato Sr., was a visionary leader. Newark has lost a legend and I have lost a good friend. He will be greatly missed by many."

Essex County Commissioner President Brendan Gill called Adubato an “iconic figure” in local politics.

“Affectionately known as ‘Big Steve,’ he spent his life raising awareness on the importance of education through his work as a teacher, and his leadership on the Newark Teachers’ Union and the New Jersey Federation of Teachers. In addition to his advocacy on behalf of teachers and education, he was a unifying political force in Newark after the riots. His founding of the North Ward Center in 1970 serves as a standing legacy of his service and commitment to the Newark community. As the son of a public school teacher, his actions resonated with me and I consider myself fortunate to have received guidance and mentorship from him through the personal relationship we formed through the years. On behalf of my family, I offer my heartfelt condolences to his wife Fran, his daughters Theresa and Michelle, his son, and my personal friend, Stephen Adubato, Jr., and the entire Adubato family.”

Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr., one of many local elected officials mentored by Adubato, also offered a message of tribute on Friday:

“I have known Steve for well over 40 years. He was a mentor for me when I worked at The North Ward Center and when I entered government. Some people may not have liked Steve’s aggressive style, but he was a forward thinker and a tireless advocate for the City of Newark and its residents. Known as the city’s ‘Second Mayor,’ Steve was a major influence in calming relations and stabilizing the city after the riots and had the foresight to create The North Ward Center, which for generations has provided recreation and education programs to children, kept senior citizens engaged in their community and supported working class adults with workforce training to lift themselves into a better life. Those were his lifelong ambitions – to improve the city which he loved dearly and help all those who lived here. Today is a sad day because we have lost a visionary, a father, a leader and, most of all, a very dear friend.”

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