NJBPU President Joe Fiordaliso Has Passed Away at 78

By Jim Pytell, Managing Editor On Sep 7, 2023

Joe Fiordaliso, longtime head of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU), died Wednesday night. He was 78 years old. The governor’s office did not give a cause of death.

Fiordaliso served as a commissioner of the BPU since 2005 when he was nominated by Gov. Richard Codey and confirmed by the Senate. In 2011 and 2013, Fiordaliso was re-nominated by Gov. Chris Christie and confirmed by the Senate to continue as commissioner, and, on January 15, 2018, he was appointed by Gov. Phil Murphy to serve as president of the BPU.

“Joe Fiordaliso was a consummate public servant, a trusted colleague, and a good friend. Above all, he was a devoted husband to his wife Marilyn, father to Dana and Joe, and grandfather to six loving grandchildren,” said Gov. Murphy, who lauded the president’s work at the department.

“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. 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. And, as a former three-time Mayor of Livingston and member of the Township Council, he was a dedicated member of his community,” Murphy said.

Fiordaliso was a champion for alternative energy, spearheading the state’s efforts to reach its aggressive goal of attaining 100% clean energy by 2035. He was, however, measured in his approach, often stating that getting there would take prudence to do so successfully.

He oversaw major energy initiatives during his tenure such as New Jersey’s offshore wind efforts, the state’s increased commitment to solar energy, electric vehicle charging stations rollout, keeping the state’s three nuclear plants open, and incentives for building electrification.

“NJBIA mourns the passing of BPU President Joe Fiordaliso,” said NJBIA President and CEO Michele Siekerka. “Both as president and in his years prior with the BPU, Joe was truly and passionately committed to his job and its many missions. And even when we didn’t agree on policy issues, President Fiordaliso always had an open door, took part in many NJBIA events and had receptive ears to our concerns. NJBIA offers our heartfelt condolences to Joe’s family and friends. He will be greatly missed.”

Fiordaliso, a Newark native, worked as an educator from 1967 to 1986 at Vailsburg High School and Bloomfield High School. For 12 years, he was an adjunct professor of accounting at County College of Morris.

Fiordaliso began his political career in 1988, serving on the Livingston Township Council for three terms, including three times as Mayor. In 1990, he was appointed as director of planning and economic development by the Essex County Executive. After serving as district director for Senate President Richard Codey. When Codey became governor, Fiordaliso was named the Governor’s deputy chief of staff on November 15, 2004.

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