Peter J. Biondi facts for kids

Peter J. "Pete" Biondi was a dedicated politician from New Jersey. He was a member of the Republican Party. He served in the New Jersey General Assembly, which is like a state parliament, from 1998 until he passed away in 2011. During his time, he represented the 16th Legislative District.

Early Life and Community Service

Peter Biondi was born in Newark, New Jersey, on June 23, 1942. He went to Union High School. After school, he served in the United States Army Reserve from 1961 to 1967.

Serving His Hometown

Biondi spent many years working for his local community. He was part of the Hillsborough Township Planning Board from 1986 to 1999. He also served on the Hillsborough Township Committee from 1983 to 1993. During this time, he was the town's Deputy Mayor in 1985. He then became the Mayor of Hillsborough from 1986 to 1993.

County Leadership Roles

Beyond his hometown, Biondi also served Somerset County. He was on the Board of Chosen Freeholders from 1994 to 1997. This board helps manage the county's government. He was the Director of the board in 1996 and the Deputy Director in 1995. He also helped with the Somerset County Youth Services Commission and the Planning Board.

State Assembly Career

In 1998, Peter Biondi began serving in the New Jersey General Assembly. This is where state laws are made. He was a strong voice for his district for many years.

Leadership Positions

Biondi took on important leadership roles in the Assembly. From 2002 to 2003, he was the Assistant Republican Leader. Then, starting in 2006, he became the Republican Conference Leader. These roles meant he helped guide his party's efforts in the Assembly.

Important Legislation

As an Assemblyman, Biondi worked on various laws. One bill he introduced in 2006 aimed to make websites that allow public comments, like forums, collect the names and addresses of people who post. If someone claimed false or harmful information was posted, the website would have to share that information. The goal was to help people deal with untrue statements made online.

Later Life and Legacy

In October 2011, Peter Biondi shared that he had been battling non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of cancer, for about a year. He had received treatment and believed the cancer was in remission.

Re-election and Passing

On November 8, 2011, just two days before he passed away, Biondi was re-elected to the Assembly. This would have been his eighth term. He died on November 10, 2011, at the age of 69.

Succession in the Assembly

After Biondi's death, Jack Ciattarelli, who had won the other Assembly seat in District 16, was sworn in to finish Biondi's term. Later, Donna Simon was appointed to fill the vacant seat. She then won a special election in November 2012 to keep the position.