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Charles Rangel
1930 - 2025
Charles Rangel
1930 - 2025
Obituary
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BORN
1930
DIED
2025
Charles Rangel Obituary
Charles Rangel, a longtime Congressman from New York City who served for 46 years and who headed the House Ways and Means Committee until ethics violations resulted in his censure, died May 26, 2025, in New York City at the age of 96.?
Rangel was a U.S. Army veteran before serving in Congress, rising to Staff Sergeant and earning a Bronze Star with valor and a Purple Heart in the Korean War for his efforts in the Battle of Kunu-ri. Once back home, he graduated from law school, did legal work, and entered the world of politics in the 1960s. He served in the New York State Legislature until 1970, then made the leap to Congress in 1971, where he remained for the next 46 years.
Rangel was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, and in 1975, he became a member of the powerful Committee on Ways and Means, a position he held for the rest of his career. It was as head of the Committee that Rangel faced his biggest challenge: being censured for an array of ethical violations. At trial, he was found guilty on 11 of 12 charges. Though he was forced to step down from his leadership position, he remained on the committee and in Congress through his retirement in 2017. During his five decades in Congress, Rangel earned a reputation for his frankness and sense of humor, his ability to work with others, and his support of progressive policies. In 2005, the Jackie Robinson Foundation recognized him with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
"Congressman Charles Rangel did more than break barriers, he built the blueprint," Congresswoman Nikema Williams said on Facebook. "As a founding member of Congressional Black Caucus, his legacy lives on in every member fighting for justice and opportunity in our communities. His trailblazing leadership helped make health care more accessible for millions, and he was steadfast in bringing real investment to those too often left behind. Leslie, Carter, and I send our deepest condolences to the Rangel family and all who loved him."
By Eric San Juan
(Image: U.S. Congress via Wikimedia Commons)
16 Entries
Edward H. Brown , Jr.
June 28, 2025
Here is the Tie Clamp that Congressman Rangel gifted me with when my wife and I visited his office during our trip to Washington DC. Thanks and our deepest condolences to the Rangel Family. Peace, Blessings and Love, Edward and Wilhelmina Brown
Edward H. Brown, Jr.
June 24, 2025
Charlie Rangel was a dear old friend and will be sorely missed. I was first introduced to him, in 1966, by Percy Sutton when I came home to Harlem (where Rangel and I were born) from Syracuse University as sophomore. I had met Percy early that year when he was serving in the New York State Assembly. When I came home for Thanksgiving I visited Percy at the John F. Kennedy Democratic Club in Harlem and he told me that he was interested in becoming Manhattan Borough President to fill that office that had just been vacated by Constance Baker Motley who had just been appointed to a federal judgeship by President Lyndon B. Johnson. Upon hearing this I asked Percy, " So if you become Borough President who is going to take your seat in the New York State Assembly?" Without hesitation, Percy pointed his thumb back and said, "That curly headed fellow behind me". That curly headed fellow that Percy was referring to was none other than Charlie Rangel.....and the rest is history ..........A few years later, after I had graduated from Syracuse in 1969, and was taking a break before returning to work on my Master´s Degree in Public Administration (MPA)) in the summer of 1970, I witnessed, first hand, the Primary election in the Democratic Party in Harlem where Charlie defeated the iconic Congressman Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. and went to take his seat in the United States Congress in January 1971 where he served for 46 years until his retirement in 2017. When my wife, Wilhelmina, and I visited Washington we stopped Congressman Rangel's office, and his staff gave us a tour of the Capital and generously gifted me with a Congressional Tie Clamp that I still proudly wear whenever I suit up for church on Sunday. Rest in a Well-earned Peace and Power my dear old friend Charlie, with our old buddy Percy Sutton, Adam Powell, J. Raymond Jones, Marcus Garvey, Omowale Malcolm X and many other of our illustrious Harlem Ancestral Icons. Needless to say, you will not be forgotten and your proud legacy lives on ! Peace, Blessings and Love, Edward H. Brown, Jr. aka Mwalimu K-q Amsata
Telli D. Bryan
May 31, 2025
My condolences to the Rangel family. Mr. Rangel was a friend of my grandfather, J Raymond Jones, and was a member of my granfathers political club.
Robert Clark
May 30, 2025
My Sincerest condolences to his family!
How you can show support
Ray Diaz
May 29, 2025
Always a gentleman and pleasure to talk with. Well respected and liked.
Joan Alexander-Bakiriddin
May 29, 2025
On behalf of the NAACP Brooklyn Branch, we extend our deepest condolences to the family of Congressman Charles B. Rangel.
Congressman Rangel was a towering figure whose unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and opportunity shaped the course of American history. As a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus and the first African American to chair the House Ways and Means Committee, he broke barriers and opened doors for countless others. His legislative achievements-from championing the national Empowerment Zone program to sponsoring the Affordable Care Act and the Earned Income Tax Credit-transformed lives not only in Harlem, but across the nation.
A war hero, a master legislator, and the beloved "Lion of Lenox Avenue," Congressman Rangel dedicated nearly five decades to public service, always fighting for affordable housing, urban revitalization, and equal opportunities for all. His legacy as a mentor, advocate, and friend to many in our community will endure for generations.
We honor his memory, his service, and the profound impact he made. May you find comfort in knowing that his life´s work continues to inspire and uplift. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of mourning.
With heartfelt sympathy and gratitude,
Joan Alexander-Bakiriddin
President, NAACP Brooklyn Branch
Kaisha Allsbrooks
May 28, 2025
I´m more than grateful that I grew up in a home that My Great Aunt and Great Uncles taught Me who Charles Rangel was well before the School did and They had Their Own Charles Rangel stories and I grew older and engaged in conversations and learned more about politics I was able to be blessed from His wisdom and work. I encourage not only Parents but the community the village although the Teachers are the village They have a responsibility to teach Your children about everything and everyone and They do in as much time as They can but You can teach Your children about whom You want. They´re on the news They´re in the Public eye don´t wait until the books are off the Shelves
Tijuana Jones
May 28, 2025
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Tijuana Jones
May 28, 2025
To the Rangel Family; I want to offer my sincere
condolences on the passing of such a fine man. He was very dignified who served our country abroad and helped his community in politics.
Mr. Rangel was a gentleman for the people and representing Harlem as distinguished congressman that cared about all cultures who were less fortunate. I'm proud to say he had a wonderful life and resting in glory to be reunited with wife in heaven. May God rest his
soul and Jesus be their refuge in the family bereavement.
Tijuana Jones
May 28, 2025
To the range family: I want to offer my sincere condolences on the passing of your love one. He
was a dignified man who helped his community
In all areas of politics. He was a man for the people Black ,white, and Hispanic. It well to know he is with wife in heaven and Jesus. May God rest his soul and a wonderful life he lived here on earth.
Julio Angel Medina
May 28, 2025
My condolences are with the Rangel´s family and friends during this time of grief and sorrow. He was a great support to Puerto Rico. You will be missed.
Chris
May 28, 2025
I offer my sincere condolences to the family of Charles Rangel. What a beautiful legacy he has left for your family. May our Lord give your family comfort and peace as you mourn his loss.
Joseph Potasnik
May 27, 2025
Congressman Charles Rangel taught us that greatness professionally and goodness personally can both live together in one human being. He selflessly served his faith,his family, his community and his country .
He was a steadfast friend of the Jewish people standing with us and the State of Israel especially when we needed allies.
We bless him for who he was.
May the Almighty reward him for what he did
Rabbi Joseph Potasnik
Kimtraila Williams
May 27, 2025
Dear US Rep. Charles Rangel,Wishing you the US Rep. Charles Rangel family courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to hold in your heart forever.""My heart sincerely goes out to you the US Rep Charles Rangel family. Please accept my deepest sympathy." Let President Barack Obama know that Kimtraila said her last respect for the US Rep. Charles Rangel.
God Bless,
Kimtraila Williams
DR
May 27, 2025
My condolences are with the Rangel´s family and friends during this time of grief and sorrow. May the God ( Psalm chapter 83 verse 18 of All Comfort comfort you all. I hope the fond memories always be cherished.
Amanda Williams Yarrell
May 27, 2025
My Dearest cousin Charles will be missed our family of his late wife Alama Williams Rangal to his children our deepest sympathy and prayers Florida family and Love one's
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