Ador Equipado, ex-deputy mayor of Jersey City, dies at 73

Ador Equipado, ex-deputy mayor of Jersey City, New Jersey.

JERSEY CITY, New Jersey — Former Jersey City Deputy Mayor and pioneer Filipino American community leader Ador Lubaton Equipado, 73, died of an illness at Hackensack Hospital in New Jersey on December 22.

Equipado served as deputy mayor of Jersey City under two mayors. A chemical engineer, he was named Deputy Public Works Director under Mayor Bret Schundler. He was also Schundler’s executive mayoral aide.

In 2007 he resigned as deputy to Mayor Jerramiah Healy after pleading guilty to charges that he demanded about $130 from couples for the then-free service of marrying them at City Hall while also trying to sell the newlyweds phone service plans.

Equipado came to the United States with his family in 1975 and settled in Jersey City. Originally from Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, he was the son of the late Adoracion Lubaton and Retired Capt. Simon E. Equipado, Sr.,

He is survived by his wife, Lilian Benito Equipado, daughter, Glenda May, sisters, Adoracion and Entring Equipado and various relatives.

Equipado unsuccessfully ran for State Assembly in the 31st District of New Jersey, the first Filipino American to try for the post. A Republican, he was co-chair of the Jersey City GOP Committee.

He was former President of the Garden State Filipino American Association and had been one of its advisers.

He was Co-Chair/Founder of PAFCOM, Inc., VP/Co-Founder of Fil-Am Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey; Chartered State Chairman of NaFFAA New Jersey Chapter; Philippine Centennial Celebration of FOPSNJ Parade Grand Marshal; and VP/Co-Founder of Jersey City Lions Club.

Equipado received numerous recognitions, honors and awards from various community organizations because of his community activities.