Joseph Hirkala
Joseph Hirkala | |
|---|---|
Hirkala in 1981 | |
| President pro tempore of the New Jersey Senate | |
| In office January 10, 1984 – 1986 | |
| Preceded by | Matthew Feldman |
| Succeeded by | Carmen A. Orechio |
| Member of the New Jersey Senate | |
| In office January 11, 1972 – January 1, 1987 | |
| Succeeded by | Gabriel M. Ambrosio |
| Constituency | 14th district (1972–1974) 34th district (1974–1982) 36th district (1982–1987) |
| Member of the New Jersey General Assembly | |
| In office 1968 – January 11, 1972 | |
| Constituency | District 14A (1968–1970) District 14B (1970–1972) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 16, 1923 Passaic, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Died | January 1, 1987 (aged 63) Passaic, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Josephine Chorazy |
| Children | 2 |
| Signature | |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1940-1945 |
Joseph Hirkala (November 16, 1923 – January 1, 1987) was an American politician who served in the New Jersey General Assembly from 1968 to 1972 and New Jersey State Senate from 1972 until 1987, as a member of the Democratic Party. He was also heavily active in the local politics of Passaic, New Jersey.
Hirkala was born in Passaic and dropped out of high school to join the United States Navy. He became a clerk for Passaic's tax collector in 1948, and held a multitude of local offices before retiring as city clerk in 1986. He served as chair of the Passaic County Democratic Party from 1972 to 1973.
Hirkala was elected to the state legislature in 1967, and served until his death. He served as assistant minority and majority leader, whip, majority leader, and president pro tempore during his tenure.