Tragic Passing of Former New Jersey Assemblyman Albert Coutinho
Former New Jersey Assemblyman Albert Coutinho, a prominent figure in the state’s political and community landscape, passed away in a car crash on Sunday morning. The incident occurred just before 7:30 am in Newark, where Coutinho’s vehicle collided with another. At 56 years old, he succumbed to a heart attack at the scene, later passing away just after 8 am at University Hospital, as reported by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.
The other driver involved in the collision was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fatal accident. Coutinho had served in the New Jersey General Assembly for over five years, starting in May 1997 and later being elected to a full term in November 2007. However, his political career came to an end in 2013 when he pleaded guilty to theft from his family’s charity and falsifying records by not reporting the money he took as income on legislative financial disclosure forms. This plea barred him from holding any public office or job in the state.
Coutinho received probation instead of the maximum sentence of six and a half years behind bars. He resigned in September 2013, citing a heart attack he had suffered earlier that year. His mother, Mariazinha, shared her grief on Facebook, writing, “My dear love, my son Albert. Forever in my heart… My heart is broken and I cannot find the right words to express my pain. Rest in eternal peace.”
Former Governor Phil Murphy and his wife, Tammy, released a statement expressing their sorrow. “Al was an extraordinary person whose generosity, kindness and commitment to others left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him,” the statement read. Murphy had pardoned Coutinho before leaving office in January, and both expressed heartbreak over his death. They highlighted his passion for soccer and dedication to his family, friends, and the Portuguese-American community of New Jersey.
Michael Silva, a Newark councilman, paid tribute to Coutinho on Facebook, calling him “a presence that cannot be replaced.” He described Coutinho as more than a friend or mentor, emphasizing his clarity, strength, and ability to bring light to dark situations. “He had a mind that could navigate the most complex challenges with grace, always guided by purpose, integrity and unwavering belief that every obstacle carried within it the seed of a solution,” Silva said.
Another tribute on Facebook noted that Coutinho deeply loved Newark, particularly the Ironbound neighborhood. He was known for supporting local businesses and residents, eagerly anticipating the annual Newark Portugal Day Festival each year. “He was a genuinely good man, kind, respectful, and always happy to talk about the Ironbound and its community… You will be deeply missed, Al, especially during this year’s Portugal Day Festival,” the post continued.
Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin described Coutinho as “not only a dear friend, but family to me.” She praised his life of service, mentoring, and ability to connect with people. “His legacy will live on through the countless lives he shaped and inspired,” she said.
Mayor Ras J Baraka acknowledged Coutinho’s contributions to job creation, recreational space, and workforce reentry reforms, which helped strengthen Newark. He also highlighted Coutinho’s role as a central pillar of the Portuguese community and his passion for soccer. “The annual Portuguese Day Festival, so sensational that it is known nationally, was established by his family and overseen enthusiastically by Al every year,” Baraka said.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherill expressed her condolences, stating, “My heart goes out to the family of former Assemblyman Albert Coutinho and the Newark community he was so deeply loved. We will be forever thankful for his years of dedicated public service and the lasting impact he made on New Jersey.”
Reginald Bledsoe, director of the Essex County Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs, shared how Coutinho welcomed him onto the Assembly floor with kindness. “You’re going to be deeply missed, my friend,” he wrote.
David Caetano, a member of the local Ironbound Strikers soccer club, recalled meeting Coutinho as a child and being introduced to state and local government. “He had a brilliant mind. I used to call him ‘the encyclopedia.’ More than anything, Al believed in people,” Caetano said.
A vigil for Coutinho was held on Monday at 6:30 pm at Eddie Moraes Ironbound Stadium, organized by his brother-in-law Donald Goncalves. His funeral is scheduled for April 1 at 10 am at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark.
According to his obituary, Coutinho “lived and breathed” soccer throughout his life, going “above and beyond in all that he did.” He was described as the glue of the Coutinho family and a support system to all who knew him. He is survived by his partner, Carolyn Dembowski, his mother, Maria, his siblings, Billy and Helena, as well as his brother-in-law, godchild, and niece.
