Manasquan, NJ –-(Ammoland.com)- Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.), the last World War II veteran in the Senate and the chamber’s oldest member, died Monday morning. He was 89.

Lautenberg, was an unabashed supporter of gun control and his signature piece of legislation the “Lautenberg Amendment” that was supposed to target Domestic Violence, but is infamous for entrapping innocents whose cases were later over turned, will live on.

The senator, who survived a bout with blood cancer in 2010, had been in failing health for the last few months and had been absent from the Senate floor for much of the year. His office issued a statement in early April citing “muscle weakness and fatigue” that prevented him from traveling.

The senator's office confirmed Lautenberg's death in a Monday morning statement:

United States Senator Frank R. Lautenberg, the last remaining World War II veteran serving in the Senate, passed away due to complications from viral pneumonia at 4:02 a.m. today at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell. He was 89 years old. Senator Lautenberg is survived by his wife, Bonnie Englebardt Lautenberg; six children and their spouses, Ellen Lautenberg and Doug Hendel, Nan and Joe Morgart, Josh and Christina Lautenberg, Lisa and Doug Birer, Danielle Englebardt and Stuart Katzoff, Lara Englebardt Metz and Corey Metz; and 13 grandchildren.

Earlier this year, Lautenberg announced that he would not seek reelection.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) will fill the vacant Senate seat. Fox News speculates that could be up and coming hoplophobe and Mayor of Newark, NJ, Cory Booker.