Joe Fiordaliso, former Livingston mayor who had been most recently serving as president of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, died suddenly last week at 78. Several in the community spoke in remembrance of Fiordaliso following his passing.
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Livingston Mayor Michael Vieira
“Today, the entire Township of Livingston mourns,” said Mayor Michael Vieira. “Livingston loved Mayor Joseph Fiordaliso and Joe loved Livingston. We send our heartfelt prayers to his wife Marilyn, his daughter Dana, son Joseph and his six grandchildren. Joe was a three time mayor of Livingston.”
Vieira continued, “I had the opportunity to speak with Joe just two weeks ago when he called to talk about a project in Livingston and share some advice on how he handled a similar issue when he was mayor. Joe was always there for me and Livingston.
“That same call gave me the opportunity to tell Joe how much influence he had on a young Michael Vieira, not even growing up in Livingston but watching him on a cable television channel 3 show with the mayors of Orange, West Orange and Roseland. When I became mayor, I began a cable TV show ‘Inside Livingston.’
I told Joe that the show was created to mirror and bring information to the community just like he did.”
He concluded, “The Livingston (Continued on Page A-8) community will never forget Mayor Joseph Fiordaliso.”
County Commissioner Pat Sebold
Essex County Commissioner and Livingston resident Pat Sebold said she first got to know Fiordaliso when he ran for Livingston Township Council 35 years ago.
“He was elected in 1988 and served for 12 years, three times as mayor,” Sebold said. “He had served on the Board of Public Utilities for 18 years and was the BPU’s president. Joe Fiordaliso was always outspoken and fighting for what was correct for the citizens of this State. His courage and dedication will be missed, and I will miss my good friend.”
Deputy Mayor Al Anthony
Deputy Mayor Al Anthony said that Joe Fiordaliso was one of the first elected officials he met with when running for Council.
“Joe was kind, thoughtful, and patient as he gave invaluable advice on what was important, and what was not, and took me under his wing,” Anthony said. “He was an outstanding mentor and always a friend, still giving advice as late as last month. A few years back he even agreed to ‘spar’ with me in a debate of former mayors versus current mayors held in a boxing ring with boxing gloves. It was a lot of fun and I’ll always remember that day. I don’t know who won but everyone who watched loved it.”
Former Governor Richard Codey
Former Governor Richard Codey, state senator who has his office in Livingston, called Fiordaliso “a great friend and dedicated public servant.
“I had the pleasure of working with him closely throughout my career and saw first-hand his impact on our state. He had a deep understanding of the issues that affected New Jerseyans and passion for doing great work,” Codey said.
“I will always remember one of the biggest moments in both of our lives. It was August of 2004 and Gov. McGreevey stunned everyone with his announcement he was stepping down. For me, it meant I was to become governor. And for Joe, it meant he was about to become one of my top lieutenants and most trusted advisors. We got on the phone and I told him I needed himASAP. There was only one problem: Joe and his wife, Marilyn, were vacationing somewhere on an island. Getting a flight was a problem, but Joe found a way. To this day, I’ll never know how he got back to New Jersey as quickly as he did. But that was Joe in a nutshell. He found a way. He always found a way. My deepest condolences go out to Marilyn, their two children and six grandchildren.”
Former Councilman Leland Peyser
Former Township Council member Leland Peyser wrote a tribute to Fiordaliso on behalf of himself and his family.
“Over the past few days, I have been reflecting on the passing of my good friend, Joseph Fiordaliso, the former mayor, councilman and president of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, and his long-time dedication and commitment to serving the public’s interest.
“Joe was always supportive and encouraging and available to help bring volunteers like myself into the community fold. He was very special and loved his community. He was a great teacher. He believed in service above self. He loved engaging people, loved working on the issues, especially supporting access to education, and always had a view towards a bright future that included everyone.
“Joe also had a great sense of humor, humility and an incredible work ethic. He will truly be missed. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Marilyn and the entire Fiordaliso family.”
