03/29/2026
Newark is mourning the loss of Albert Coutinho, a beloved former lawmaker, community leader, and proud son of the Ironbound, who tragically passed away Sunday morning in a car accident. He was 56.
According to preliminary information confirmed by family and community sources, Coutinho died in a serious two-vehicle crash early Sunday on Route 21 near South Street in Newark. Reports indicated that one of the vehicles caught fire after the impact.
His sudden passing has deeply shaken Newark, especially the East Ward and the Portuguese-American community, where he was admired not only for his years of public service, but also for his generosity, warmth, and deep commitment to those around him.
Albert Coutinho served in the New Jersey General Assembly and was widely respected for his work on economic issues, budget policy, and urban development. But for many, his legacy reached far beyond politics.
He was, above all, a family man, devoted to his loved ones and especially close to his brother Billy. He also proudly represented Newark’s Portuguese heritage and remained a strong presence in the Portuguese-American community throughout his life. As the son of Mariazinha and the late Bernardino Coutinho, founder and organizer of Portugal Day in Newark, Albert carried that legacy with pride.
He also played an important role in the growth of youth soccer in Newark, reflecting both his love for the sport and his dedication to the city’s young people.
Those who knew him remember a man who loved Newark deeply and never stopped showing up for his city. His impact is measured not only by the titles he held, but by the lives he touched.
Albert Coutinho will be remembered as a devoted family man, a committed public servant, a champion for his community, and a proud voice for the Ironbound and Portuguese-Americans in New Jersey.
May he rest in peace. 🤍
