According to the statement of the family of Gerry Connolly died on the morning of Wednesday at 75. He was the Democratic Representative and U.S Congressman.

“We share with immense sadness that our loving and devoted father, friend, public servant, husband, Congressman Gerald E. Connolly, passed away at home this morning peacefully, surrounded by family,” the statement said.

Connolly recently last month declared that he would not run for reelection and would shortly resign from his role as head of the influential House Oversight Committee.

At the time, Connolly revealed that his esophageal cancer, which he had disclosed in November, had returned.

“I pledged to be open and honest when I made my illness public six months ago. We now know that, although being initially defeated, the cancer has reappeared after arduous treatments. In a statement at the time, he stated, “I’ll do everything in my power to continue representing you, and I appreciate your grace.”

From the eleventh district of Columbia, Connolly has served as a congressman, which includes northern Virginia parts as well, since 2009. He also served on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for fourteen years.

In the statement of his family they also added that Gerry spend his life to give back to other people and make entire community more perfect. He looked out for the multiple things including voiceless and disadvantaged. For right he always stood up.”

“In our hearts, there would be a soft corner due to his absence, but we are proud of the work of his life that will be a great example for the generations of future.