Newark Mourns Passing of Beloved Community Leader Al Coutinho

Assemblyman known for his dedication to the Ironbound and Portuguese-American community

Mar. 30, 2026 at 1:34am

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The city of Newark is in mourning after the sudden passing of Assemblyman Al Coutinho, a longtime champion of the Ironbound neighborhood and the Portuguese-American community. Coutinho, who served in the New Jersey legislature for over 5 years, was praised for his work on job creation, recreational space, and prisoner re-entry reforms that benefited Newark. He was also deeply involved in the city's Portuguese Day Festival and as a youth soccer coach, earning him the title of a 'community giant' from Newark Mayor Ras Baraka.

Why it matters

Coutinho's death is a major loss for Newark's Ironbound neighborhood and the broader Portuguese-American community, which he deeply represented and advocated for during his time in elected office. As a respected legislator and community leader, Coutinho played a key role in delivering important initiatives and infrastructure for Newark, while also championing the city's cultural heritage and youth programs.

The details

Coutinho, the son of a local baker and business owner, first entered politics in 2007 when he ran successfully for the New Jersey Assembly as part of a ticket backed by then-Mayor Cory Booker and political power broker Steve Adubato Sr. During his time in the legislature, Coutinho worked closely with his Assembly colleagues to secure $2.9 billion in state funding for school construction in urban districts, including a new school in the Ironbound. He also led efforts to reform the state's prisoner re-entry program. Beyond his legislative work, Coutinho was deeply involved in Newark's Portuguese community, overseeing the city's annual Portuguese Day Festival and coaching youth soccer teams.

  • Coutinho first entered politics in 2007, winning election to the New Jersey Assembly.
  • In his first year in office, Coutinho and his colleagues delivered on a campaign promise of new schools construction.
  • Coutinho passed away suddenly on March 30, 2026.

The players

Al Coutinho

A longtime Assemblyman who represented New Jersey's 29th Legislative District, known for his dedication to the Ironbound neighborhood and Newark's Portuguese-American community.

Cory Booker

The former Mayor of Newark who helped recruit Coutinho to run for the Assembly in 2007.

Steve Adubato Sr.

A prominent Newark political power broker who backed Coutinho's 2007 Assembly campaign.

Ras Baraka

The current Mayor of Newark who praised Coutinho as a 'community giant' following his passing.

Bernardino Coutinho

Al Coutinho's father, who founded and organized the annual Portuguese Day Festival in Newark.

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What they’re saying

“I join all of Newark in shock and sadness at the sudden loss of Alberto Coutinho this morning. As a former representative for New Jersey's 29th Legislative District for more than five years, Al fought for job creation, recreational space and workforce reentry reforms, all of which helped strengthen our city.”

— Ras Baraka, Mayor of Newark

“But more than that, Al was a central pillar of our Portuguese community, the Ironbound, and the city at large. As an avid soccer fan, he prioritized his role as a soccer coach for our youth. The annual Portuguese Day Festival, so sensational that it is known nationally, was established by his family and overseen enthusiastically by Al every year.”

— Ras Baraka, Mayor of Newark

“Surely, the upcoming Portuguese Festival, and FIFA games will not be the same without this beloved community giant.”

— Ras Baraka, Mayor of Newark

What’s next

The city of Newark is expected to hold a memorial service and celebration of life for Assemblyman Al Coutinho in the coming days to honor his legacy and contributions to the community.

The takeaway

Al Coutinho's passing is a profound loss for Newark's Ironbound neighborhood and the broader Portuguese-American community, which he championed tirelessly during his time in elected office. As a respected legislator and deeply engaged community leader, Coutinho leaves behind a lasting impact through his work on important initiatives, his advocacy for Newark's cultural heritage, and his mentorship of the city's youth.