14 Facts About Joseph Azzolina

Joseph Azzolina was an American Republican Party politician who served in the New Jersey Legislature for a total of 24 years.

Joseph Azzolina's parents were John and Angelina Giaimi Azzolina, who emigrated to the United States from Sicily during the 1920s.

Joseph Azzolina joined the US Navy in 1944 at 18 years old and was later enrolled in ROTC at Drew University.

Joseph Azzolina left the Active Duty Navy in 1947 to serve in the US Naval Reserves, where he eventually earned the rank of captain.

Joseph Azzolina served in the United States Naval Reserve from 1947 to 1986, Captain.

Joseph Azzolina received three Meritorious Service Medals and two Navy Secretary Commendation Medals in addition to other combat awards and honors.

Joseph Azzolina served in the Assembly from 1966 to 1972 and again from 1986 to 1988.

Joseph Azzolina served in the upper house of the New Jersey Legislature, the New Jersey Senate, from 1972 to 1973.

Joseph Azzolina served in the Assembly on the State Government Committee.

Joseph Azzolina ran for the New Jersey State Senate in 1987, but lost by a very narrow margin.

Joseph Azzolina ran for the Congress in 1988, but lost a close race to state Senator Frank Pallone.

Joseph Azzolina was defeated in the June 2005 GOP primary, and was replaced in the Assembly by fellow Republican Amy Handlin, who took office on January 10,2006 when Joseph Azzolina's term ended.

Joseph Azzolina was born in Newark, New Jersey and was a resident of Middletown Township, New Jersey.

Joseph Azzolina died of pancreatic cancer on April 15,2010, in Manhattan, New York City New York at age 84.