(PHOTO: Former Congressman Eliot Engel attended the swearing in of Congressman George Latimer at Rye High School on January 26, 2025.)
Former Congressman Eliot Engel passed away on Friday, April 10, and the age of 79. Engel was a Democratic who represented New York’s 16th Congressional District (Westchester County and the North Bronx), a seat now held by Rye resident George Latimer.
Engel assumed office on January 3, 2013 and left office on January 3, 2021, after losing a primary race to Jamaal Bowman. Engel served as chairman of the Foreign Affairs committee. Engel was perhaps best known for always being in an aisle seat during each Presidential State of the Union speech. He would arrive early, secure a seat and always be seen during each year’s broadcast shaking the hand of the then current President when he entered Congress to address the nation. He finally discontinued the practice after President Trump was elected, unwilling to shake his hand.
“Eliot Engel devoted his lifetime to public service – as a teacher and as an elected official in Albany and Washington DC,” said NY-16 Congressman George Latimer. “His legacy consists of hard work on issues and kindness to all. His work in helping bring peace to the Balkans in the 1990s was a major accomplishment, among many others. We mourn with his family, and extend to them our deepest condolences. We intend to honor Eliot on the floor of the House. May he rest in peace.”
“It is with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of Congressman Eliot Engel,” said State Senator Shelley Mayer. “Congressman Engel was a personal friend and mentor, a lifelong, dedicated public servant who led with an unwavering commitment to his constituents and community. For many years, Congressman Engel represented Westchester, Rockland and the Bronx with courage, leadership and compassion. We are particularly indebted to him for his leadership as Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his wife Pat, his family, friends, and all who had the honor of working alongside him. Our community is stronger because of his leadership, and we will continue to honor the lasting impact of his work. May his memory be a blessing.”
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Congressman Eliot Engel, a tireless public servant who devoted more than three decades to representing the people of New York,” said Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins. “Throughout his career, Congressman Engel was a fierce advocate for his constituents in Westchester and the Bronx. He was a champion of human rights and as Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, he helped shape U.S. policy on the global stage while never losing sight of the needs of the communities he represented at home. His legacy is one of commitment, conviction and service. He understood that public office is a responsibility to speak up, to stand firm and to deliver for the people who entrusted him with their voice. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and all those who had the privilege of working alongside him. His impact will be felt for generations.”
(PHOTO: Former Congressman Eliot Engel in 2003. Official portrait. United States Congress Public domain.)