Officials and family members paid their final respects Monday to Rockland County's first black lawmaker who paved the way for many others.

Hezekiah Easter passed away last week at the age of 85. The sounds of a choir filled a Nyack church at Easter's funeral as mourners spoke highly of him. Spring Valley Mayor George Darden was one of the many officials in attendance honoring the role model. Friends describe Easter as a humble man who lived to serve others.

Easter served in the Army and fought in WWII before serving 22 years in the Rockland County Legislature. Easter also served as the county's first black police commissioner and deputy mayor. The longtime elected official leaves behind three sons and a host of friends and relatives who say Easter will be deeply missed.

Nyack officials are declaring the third Monday in March Hezekiah Easter Day.

To hear elected officials speaking at Easter's funeral, go to channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and click on iO Extra.