Colonel William A. Phillips

Joseph Anthony Lefante (September 8, 1928 – February 26, 1997) was an American businessman and Democratic Party politician who represented New Jersey's 14th congressional district for one term from 1977 to 1978.

Early life and education

Born in Bayonne, Lefante graduated from Bayonne High School. He completed courses at the Real Estate Institute of New Jersey in 1957. He served in the New Jersey National Guard from 1947 to 1952.

Political career

He was a business owner and served as a member of the Bayonne city council from 1962 to 1970. He was also a member of the Bayonne Board of Education from 1964 to 1967.

He was elected to the New Jersey General Assembly and served from 1969 to 1976.

He served as a delegate to the New Jersey state Democratic convention, 1975. He served as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention, 1975.

Congress

Lefante was elected as a Democrat to the Ninety-fifth Congress, serving until his resignation on December 14, 1978.

After Congress

He was appointed Commissioner of Community Affairs by Governor Brendan Byrne, serving from 1978 to 1982.[1]

He was an unsuccessful candidate for nomination to the United States Senate in 1982.

Death

He died on February 26, 1997, in Manhattan, New York City. He was interred in Rose Hill Cemetery, Linden, New Jersey.

References

New Jersey General Assembly
Preceded by
John J. Fekety
Member of the New Jersey General Assembly
from the 12A district

January 13, 1970–January 8, 1974
Succeeded by
District abolished
Preceded by
District created
Member of the New Jersey General Assembly
from the 31st district

January 8, 1974–January 3, 1977
Succeeded by
Stephen R. Kopycinski
Political offices
Preceded by Speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly
1976
Succeeded by
Preceded by
Patricia Sheehan
Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs
December 15, 1978–February 10, 1982
Succeeded by
U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from New Jersey's 14th congressional district

January 3, 1977–December 14, 1978
Succeeded by