NJBPU President Joseph Fiordaliso dies at 78

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Some sad news here in the Garden State as New Jersey Board of Public Utilities President Joseph Fiordaliso passed away Sept. 6 at the age of 78.

The news was first reported by New Jersey Globe and confirmed by Gov. Phil Murphy’s office Thursday morning. The cause of death was not immediately known.

“Joe Fiordaliso was a consummate public servant, a trusted colleague, and a good friend,” said Murphy in a statement. “Above all, he was a devoted husband to his wife Marilyn, father to Dana and Joe, and grandfather to six loving children.”

Fiordaliso, a former Livingston mayor and councilman who was born and raised in the ironbound section of Newark, served a lengthy career in the public sector – spanning decades and different roles.

He first served as a commissioner on the NJBPU in 2005 after being nominated by Gov. Richard Codey and confirmed by the Senate. In 2011 and 2013, he was re-nominated by Gov. Chris Christie and once again confirmed by the Senate to continue as a commissioner.

In 2018, Murphy appointed Fiordaliso to serve in his cabinet as president of the NJBPU – a role he held since the start of the administration, becoming a key ally to the governor on a range of issues, especially the transition to clean energy.

“As President of the BPU since the beginning of my administration, Joe skillfully led our work to responsibly transition to a clean energy economy while always putting the needs of consumers first,” said Murphy. “He also was a key figure in our storm response efforts and in ensuring that all New Jerseyans had access to critical services like clean water, electricity, and broadband.”

Joe Fiordaliso was a consummate public servant, a trusted colleague, and a good friend.

Tammy and I will miss his wise counsel and friendship. May he Rest in Peace. pic.twitter.com/6NoldEOzyR

— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) September 7, 2023

Murphy noted that each time you saw Fiordaliso, he was wearing his signature offshore wind pin and handing one out to anyone and everyone he met.

“He had an infectious personality and generous spirit,” the governor continued. “Tammy and I will miss his wise counsel and friendship. May he Rest in Peace.”

Fiordaliso’s passing marks the second recent untimely death of a Murphy cabinet member and close ally, following Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver last month.

This story is developing. Please stay with NJBIZ for the latest updates as well as reaction that is already starting to pour in around the Garden State.