Angelo Errichetti facts for kids

Angelo Joseph Errichetti (born September 29, 1928 – died May 16, 2013) was an American politician. He was a member of the Democratic Party. He served as the Mayor of Camden, New Jersey. He also served in the New Jersey Senate. He later faced charges during a case known as Abscam.

Who Was Angelo Errichetti?

His Early Life

Angelo Joseph Errichetti grew up in Camden, New Jersey. He was one of seven children. His parents had moved from Ruoti, Italy. His father worked by stoking coal. Angelo was a good football player at Camden High School. After high school, he went to West Nottingham Academy. He also took some night classes at Rutgers University. He worked in his brother's dry cleaning business for a while. He also worked in insurance. Later, he joined the United States Coast Guard.

His Time in Politics

Angelo Errichetti started working in politics in 1961. He became an assistant to Mayor Alfred R. Pierce. He was then named Camden's purchasing agent. This meant he bought things for the city. Later, he led the Department of Public Works. This department handles city services like roads.

Working as Mayor

He was first chosen as Mayor of Camden in 1973. In 1976, he was picked to fill an open spot in the New Jersey Senate. He was re-elected as mayor in 1977. He won with a very high number of votes. He also won a full term in the State Senate.

As Mayor, Errichetti worked long hours. He tried to make the city's economy better. He had a lot of control over how the city was run. He presented seven budgets without raising taxes. These budgets were approved easily. In 1980, the City Council started to look more closely at his budget plans.

The Abscam Case

Angelo Errichetti was involved in a case called Abscam. This case was about people accepting money for favors. Undercover agents pretended to be investors from another country. They offered money to politicians for help. Errichetti was accused of helping these agents meet with politicians. He was also accused of taking some of the money himself.

His power in local politics started to lessen after this. In May 1981, he was accused of taking money related to sewer projects. He was said to have received $10,000. This money was supposedly to help certain engineering companies.

After these accusations, he said they were not true. He refused to quit his jobs as mayor and state senator. In 1981, he was found guilty of some charges. He was sentenced to six years in prison. He served about 32 months of that time.

Later Life and Passing

Angelo Errichetti lived in Ventnor City, New Jersey. He passed away at his home on May 16, 2013. The mayor of Camden, Dana Redd, ordered flags to be flown at half-staff. This was done on the day of his funeral. He was survived by his daughter, Michele. His wife, Dolores, had passed away before him.

What Jobs Did He Hold?

• Seaman, United States Coast Guard.
• City Purchasing Agent (1961–1965), Camden, New Jersey.
• Democratic Municipal Chairman (1965–1981), Camden, New Jersey.
• Mayor (1973–1981), Camden, New Jersey.
• State Senator (1976–1981), New Jersey (he left this job after being sentenced).