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Date: 2/8/2022
SPRINGFIELD – The city’s first African American state representative and an influential figure in Springfield and regional politics for decades died on Feb. 5.
Raymond Jordan’s passing brought forth many reactions noting his accomplishments. Besides serving as a state representative from 1975 to 1994, Jordan served as a liaison for faith-based and community initiatives for the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for 18 years. He was also the former chair of the state Democratic Party.
Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno released the following statement: “So very, very sorry to hear about the passing of my old dear friend retired State Representative Raymond Jordan. My wife Carla, our daughters Cassandra and Chiara, and I send our sympathy, thoughts, prayers and encouragement to Ray’s lovely wife Donna, daughters Denise and Darlene, and family and friends. This one hits home. Ray was a dear friend whose advice, wisdom and support I respected and cherished. His daughter Denise was my chief of staff for a decade, following in her dad’s proud path of public service. Ray was a well-respected champion for his district, from being on the front lines in the 1960s fighting for the civil rights cause to being known throughout the state and the nation for his Democratic leadership. Ray was a caring and shrewd gentleman, who could work both sides of the aisle in order to deliver for the people, families, and businesses of his district. Whether it was helping someone in need for housing and/or heat in their home to major projects in his district and our city of Springfield, Ray was a major player to get it done. Ray especially had a big heart and a soft spot for our senior citizens and would always go out of his way for them. For these efforts, our new state-of-the-art senior center is named in honor of Raymond A. Jordan. Rest in peace my friend, the Barracuda, for a job well done.”
Sarno also released a statement from the Jordan family: “The Jordan Family would like to thank you for your prayers, kindness and outpouring of support and love during this difficult time. Due to COVID-19 protocols, the family respectfully will not be receiving visitors or meals as safety precautions. Condolences and inquires can be sent raymondjordan413@gmail.com. The family will monitor all inquiries. Thank you for respecting our wishes as we mourn the loss of The Barracuda!”
Congressman Richard Neal said, “Today, I mourn the loss of my dear friend Raymond Jordan. He and I established an indestructible alliance decades ago based on friendship and dignity. A longtime civil servant, Ray was one of the most effective legislators I ever met. He was my go-to guy when I was mayor.
“As State Representative for the 12th Hampden District, Ray was a tireless advocate for the city of Springfield and its residents. He helped secure funding to renovate libraries and parks throughout the Mason Square neighborhood, and he was instrumental in establishing the first Basketball Hall of Fame on the Riverfront. It was no secret why Bill Clinton tapped him to work in his Administration. He was a capable and staunch advocate – someone who could be trusted to get the job done, and get it done right. Ray was a giant in the civil rights movement, working with immense courage and conviction. He was a role model for so many.”
Sen. Edward Markey wrote, “My deepest condolences to his wife Donna, and their daughters Denise and Darlene, and to all his friends and family during this sad time. May my friend Ray rest in peace.”
Markey and Jordan served together in the Massachusetts State House from 1974-1976.
Markey added, “Ray Jordan was one of the central figures in the transformation of the Massachusetts state house, and he made sure equal opportunity and justice were central to state policymaking. He represented the next generation of Massachusetts politicians whose commitment to progress and reform resonates to this day. Ray Jordan spent his career making housing more affordable, jobs more equitable, and Western Massachusetts more livable. His strength of conviction and keen intelligence made him a mentor to countless elected leaders in the Pioneer Valley and beyond, with his living room serving as the launching pad for Western Massachusetts politics.
“Ray Jordan’s friendship, loyalty, and insights have been irreplaceable constants throughout my career. We used to play basketball together on Beacon Hill, and he had an indomitable presence on and off the court. What I owe him cannot be measured, and what he has given me, his colleagues, and all of Massachusetts will never be forgotten. My deepest condolences go out to his wife, Donna, his two daughters, Denise and Darlene, his family, and all of those who called him friend and neighbor.”
At-Large Springfield City Councilor Jesse Lederman, Chairman of the Springfield Democratic City Committee, wrote, “Raymond Jordan was a trailblazing public servant who cared deeply about his city and his commonwealth.
“I was fortunate to be introduced to Mr. Jordan as a young man interested in public service when I was invited to join in a meet and greet with Elizabeth Warren in his living room during the earliest days of her first campaign for U.S. Senate. I later got to know him as a neighbor, constituent, and Chairman Emeritus of the Massachusetts Democratic Party.
“Though he ‘retired’ from the legislature and HUD, Mr. Jordan never retired from serving the people of Springfield. I’m grateful for the opportunities I had to hear his insight and perspective in the final years of that service, especially related to housing and jobs, and to witness his stalwart championship of Democratic candidates, causes, and ideals.
“On behalf of myself, my wife Emila and the membership of the Springfield Democratic Party, I extend our heartfelt condolences to Representative Jordan’s wife Donna and their daughters, as well as his extended family, friends, and loved ones, whom he spoke of often and with great love and pride.”