Mayor Adams, Family of Former Congressman Charles B. Rangel Announce Plans for Congressman Rangel to lie in State at City Hall, Opportunities for New Yorkers to Honor his Legacy

June 6, 2025

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced that, in recognition of his remarkable life and legacy, former U.S. Congressman Charles B. Rangel, who passed away on May 26th at the age of 94, will lie in state at City Hall. Mayor Adams, in partnership with the family of Congressman Rangel, announced a series of events, including a public viewing at City Hall, for members of the public to pay their respects, ahead of his funeral on Friday, June 13th, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

“Charlie Rangel spent a lifetime serving his country — first as a decorated veteran of the Korean War, then as an assemblyman, and finally as a congressman. As the ‘Lion of Lenox,’ he represented his community as one of our city’s greatest elected leaders for nearly 50 years,” said Mayor Adams. “I am honored to host the family of Congressman Rangel as he lies in state here at City Hall, but I am also deeply saddened to say goodbye to a dear friend and an exemplary model of devotion and courage. Rest in power, my friend. I hope you and Alma are together once again.”

On Monday, June 9th, and Tuesday, June 10th, St. Aloysius Church will hold a viewing for members of the public. This Harlem landmark was Congressman Rangel’s home church, where he once served as an altar boy. Members of the public, especially his beloved Harlem community, are invited to visit the church to pay their respects. On Monday evening, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the nation’s oldest intercollegiate African American fraternity, established almost 120 years ago, will hold an Omega Service at St. Aloysius for Congressman Rangel, who was a member.

On Wednesday, June 11th, Congressman Rangel will arrive at City Hall. A private viewing will be held in the evening for members of Congressman Rangel’s family.

On Thursday, June 12th, a viewing will be held for members of the public to pay their respects at City Hall, followed by an honor guard ceremony in the evening. The pallbearers participating in the honor guard ceremony represent the famed 369th Regiment, otherwise known as the Harlem Hellfighters. The Congressional Gold Medal was awarded to the regiment in August 2021 by former President Joe Biden in recognition of their bravery and outstanding service during World War I. In October of 1984, Congressman Rangel secured the federal charter for the 389th Veteran’s Association.

On Friday, June 13th, a funeral service for Congressman Rangel will be held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Monday, June 9, 2025

12:00 PM – 8:00 PM – Public Viewing
St. Aloysius Church
219 West 132nd Street
New York, NY 10027
For media inquiries and media RSVPs, please contact Hannah Kim at hannahkim115@yahoo.com or at 202-674-2934. For all other questions, please contact George H. Weldon Funeral Home at weldonfh@verizon.net or at (212) 427-3300.

7:00 PM – Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Omega Service
St. Aloysius Church
219 West 132nd Street
New York, NY 10027
For media inquiries and media RSVPs, please contact Hannah Kim at hannahkim115@yahoo.com or at 202-674-2934. For all other questions, please contact George H. Weldon Funeral Home at weldonfh@verizon.net or at (212) 427-3300.

Tuesday, June 10, 2025
12:00 PM – 8:00 PM – Public Viewing
St. Aloysius Church
219 West 132nd Street|
New York, NY 10027
For media inquiries and media RSVPs, please contact Hannah Kim at hannahkim115@yahoo.com or at 202-674-2934. For all other questions, please contact George H. Weldon Funeral Home at weldonfh@verizon.net or at (212) 427-3300.

6:30 PM – Wake Service with Remembrances and Reflections by Community Leaders
St. Aloysius Church
219 West 132nd Street
New York, NY 10027
For media inquiries and media RSVPs, please contact Hannah Kim at hannahkim115@yahoo.com or at 202-674-2934. For all other questions, please contact George H. Weldon Funeral Home at weldonfh@verizon.net or at (212) 427-3300.

Wednesday, June 11, 2025
5:00 PM – Arrival to City Hall
City Hall
New York, NY 10007
This event is open to credentialed members of the media only. Official photos will be available following the event.

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM – Private Viewing at City Hall
This event will be closed to the press. Official photos will be available following the event.

Thursday, June 12, 2025
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM – Public Viewing
City Hall Rotunda
New York, NY 10007
This event will be open to credentialed members of the media and designated areas will be reserved for press inside City Hall near the viewing area and in front of City Hall. Official photos will be available following the event. Members of the public must enter through the East Gate of City Hall and will be required to pass through security. Members of the public must be in line by 4:00 PM to enter the building.

Security Notice for All Attendees:

For the safety and comfort of all guests, please be advised of the following security protocols at City Hall:

• All individuals will be subject to security screening, including passage through a magnetometer, prior to entry.
• Government-issued identification will be required.
• Large bags, backpacks, and any items that may be interpreted as weapons are strictly prohibited on the premises.

6:00 PM – Honor Guard Ceremony
City Hall Rotunda
New York, NY 10007

All members of the media wishing to cover the honor guard ceremony at City Hall must apply for credentials, as space is limited. Outlets must submit a credential request for each member of their staff online. Additionally, due to space limitations, TV cameras are not permitted in the Rotunda. the Mayor's Office will provide a feed of the event on Encompass Port CTY-3653, and it will be streamed live. Official photos will be available following the event.

Friday, June 13, 2025
9:45 AM – Funeral Service at St. Patrick’s Cathedral
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
5th Ave between East 50th Street & East 51st Street
New York, NY 10022

Members of the public should arrive by 9:00 AM. Doors will close at 9:45AM, or when full capacity is reached. Members of the public should  . This service will be livestreamed and is open to credentialed members of the media.  For media inquiries, please contact Hannah Kim at hannahkim115@yahoo.com or at 202-674-2934. For all other questions, please contact George H. Weldon Funeral Home at weldonfh@verizon.net or at (212) 427-3300. Expect mass crowds and heightened security.

About Congressman Charles B. Rangel

U.S. Congressman Charles B. Rangel was one of the longest-serving members of the U.S. House of Representatives and a forceful voice in Congress. Born on June 11, 1930, in New York City, he rose from humble beginnings to become a decorated war hero, accomplished lawyer, and a legendary statesman. His voice helped shape the national conversation on civil rights, economic justice, and urban revitalization.

A proud son of Harlem, Rangel served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, earning a Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his bravery. After returning home, he earned degrees from New York University and St. John’s University School of Law, which paved the way for a lifelong dedication to public service.

In 1970, Rangel won a seat in Congress, unseating Adam Clayton Powell Jr. His win launched a historic 46-year tenure in Congress. He was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus in 1971 and served as chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, the first African American to do so.

Throughout his storied career, Rangel spearheaded initiatives in Congress for affordable housing, health care, education, and tax reform. In Harlem, he was the community’s steadfast and dedicated caretaker, bringing the necessary funding and pride to the place he called home. Rangel’s legacy includes not only landmark legislation but generations of those he mentored and inspired. 

Rangel was predeceased by his beloved wife, Alma, who died in September of 2024. Their loving marriage stretched more than 60 years and included two children, Steven and Alicia, daughter-in-law Adelina and son-in-law Howard, and three grandsons, Howard R. Haughton, Joshua R. Haughton, and Charles R. Haughton. He leaves behind a grateful community and nation that has been enriched by his service. Noted the family, “We welcome all who wish to celebrate his service, sacrifice, and the community he loved so deeply.”

At the Request of the Family Donations in Lieu of Flowers:  The Hon. Charles B. Rangel '60, '83 HON Scholarship at St. John’s University School of Law. Checks can be made payable to St. John’s School of Law, and sent to Brian Woods, St. John’s Law, 8000 Utopia Parkway, Jamaica, NY 11439, or donations can be made online – the ‘Rangel Scholarship’ is in the designation field.

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