Jesus Casiano, Jr. was born in Newark, New Jersey on January 21, 1964 and relocated to Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico in 1976 after his mother’s death. While in Puerto Rico Jesus studied Political Science and Public Administration at the Inter-American University of San German from 1984 to 1989. During his time in Puerto Rico, Jesus served in many political and governmental capacities in San Juan: Legislative Lobbyist for the Puerto Rico Governor and State Senate, Inter-Government Coordinator, Public Policy Advisor, Special Assistant for the Puerto Rico Mayors Association, Strategy and Logistics Officer, Senate Finance Committee Officer and President of the Governor’s Council on Youth Affairs.

Jesus returned to Newark, NJ in 2007 and immediately joined the North Ward Center where he served as a Project Director for the Latino Institute and Hispanic Outreach and Advocacy Initiative Program.  He conducted fieldwork within the community for Casa Israel’s Recruiting and Marketing program from 2008 to 2009. Additionally, he was an ESL Instructor from 2008-2011.

Jesus served as a Legislative Aide for City of Newark North Ward Council Member Anibal Ramos Jr. since 2011. He also joined the office of New Jersey State Senator M. Teresa Ruiz as a Senate Aide in May 2017. In addition to his civil service, Jesus volunteered his time and efforts to many causes and organizations. Jesus served as President of the Newark Hispanic Commission and Vice President for the Puerto Rican Congress of New Jersey and also for the Puerto Rico Day Parade of Newark, NJ. He served as a Board Member of Mount Prospect Partnership, Metropolitan Multicultural Center, Multicultural Board Lakewood and the Hispanic American Foundation Cultural and Civic Board.

Jesus was a key member of the North Ward Democratic Committee since 2007 and was elected and as a District Leader in 2014 and served until present day.  He also served as an Essex County Committee Member and Executive Director for the Central Ward Democratic Committee since 2016. Jesus enjoyed cooking and was an excellent cook, listening to music, playing Dominions, going to the beach and telling stories. Jesus Casiano, Jr. was and is very loved by his COMMUNITY, FAMILY, and FRIENDS.

Jesus is preceded by his grandfather Moises Casiano Ramos, his mother Amelia Rivera Casiano, his father Jesus Casiano Sr., his loving sister Jeanette Casiano and Aunt Milagros Casiano Padilla. Surviving are his beloved grandmother Lavinia Rodriguez, great-Uncle Reyito Rodriquez, his Uncle Orlando Casiano and wife Emilia, Uncle Edwin Padilla Sr., Brother Charlie Casiano and his wife Janet Mabry Casiano, Sister Jeanette Dolores Jensen and her spouse Sandy Jensen, sister Yazmin Casiano and her spouse Anna Pickarewicz, sister Jacqueline Haller and spouse Richard, brother Julio Cruz. Cherished nephews  Charlie Casiano Jr. and his family, Omar Casiano and his family, and niece Kayla J. Bonner and her family.