Tributes Pour In for Former New Jersey Assemblyman Alberto Coutinho

Local leaders and politicians remember Coutinho's decades of community service and advocacy.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 6:20pm

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Following the passing of former New Jersey Assemblyman Alberto Coutinho, local leaders and politicians have shared heartfelt tributes honoring his legacy of public service and dedication to the Ironbound community of Newark. Coutinho, who served in the state legislature from 2008 to 2014, was remembered for his work developing youth soccer programs and advocating for the Portuguese-American community.

Why it matters

Coutinho was a prominent figure in New Jersey politics and the Ironbound neighborhood, known for his tireless efforts to support local youth and the Portuguese immigrant community. His death marks the end of an era and highlights the lasting impact he had on the region through his decades of community involvement and public service.

The details

Coutinho, who was born to Portuguese immigrants Maria and Bernardino Coutinho, was praised by officials like Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo and Kearny Councilman Jose Rodriques for his devotion to the Ironbound and the Portuguese-American community. He was also remembered by U.S. Senator Cory Booker and State Senator Declan O'Scanlon as a dedicated public servant and loyal friend.

  • Coutinho served in the New Jersey State Assembly from 2008 to 2014.

The players

Alberto Coutinho

A former New Jersey Assemblyman who represented the Ironbound neighborhood of Newark and was known for his advocacy work supporting the local Portuguese-American community.

Joseph DiVincenzo

The Essex County Executive, who praised Coutinho's dedication to youth development and the Portuguese community.

Cory Booker

A U.S. Senator from New Jersey who described Coutinho as a 'great Jersey leader' and 'dear friend' defined by 'service, compassion, and community.'

Declan O'Scanlon

A New Jersey State Senator who called Coutinho a 'wonderful person' and said 'the people of New Jersey lost when he left the legislature.'

Jose Rodriques

A Kearny Councilman who remembered Coutinho as a 'pillar of the Luso-American community' and a man whose 'roots in Newark ran deep.'

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What they’re saying

“I am truly saddened by the passing of Albert Coutinho. He was a giant in Essex County and the Portuguese community and was known for dedicating himself to the development of youth soccer programs and helping others in the community that he loved. More importantly, he was devoted to his family and was a true friend. My heart goes out to his family.”

— Joseph DiVincenzo, Essex County Executive

“Assemblyman Albert Coutinho was not just a great Jersey leader, but a dear friend. He was a man whose life was defined by service, compassion, and community. From coaching countless kids in the Ironbound to leading with heart in our Statehouse, he was a servant in every sense. His generosity and devotion touched so many. My prayers are with his family and all who loved him.”

— Cory Booker, U.S. Senator

“This is tragic. Al was a wonderful person. Smart, funny, loyal friend. The people of New Jersey lost when he left the legislature. The world has lost now that he's left it.”

— Declan O'Scanlon, State Senator

“Al was more than just a colleague in public service; he was a pillar of the Luso-American community and a man whose roots in Newark ran deep. Born to Maria and Bernardino Coutinho, trailblazers who set a standard for leadership, Al carried that torch with grace and an unwavering commitment to Newark & the East Ward. To Al's family and friends: you are in my thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time. Rest in peace, Al. Your spirit will live on in the streets of the Ironbound and in the hearts of everyone you touched; we will continue the legacy set by you and your father. Take a moment today to hug your family and friends, we never know what tomorrow brings.”

— Jose Rodriques, Kearny Councilman

The takeaway

The outpouring of tributes for Alberto Coutinho highlights the profound impact he had on the Ironbound community and the state of New Jersey through his decades of public service, youth advocacy, and unwavering commitment to the Portuguese-American community. His legacy will continue to inspire those who knew him and the generations he worked to uplift.