Statements on the death of Joanne Rajoppi

UNION COUNTY MANAGER ED OATMAN

“Joanne was not only an accomplished constitutional officer, but also an important part of our County family.  She remained deeply involved in the work of her office and brought decades of experience and an extraordinary sense of responsibility to her role. Her loss will be felt immediately throughout County government. We will miss her leadership, her strength, and the unmistakable presence she brought to everything she did.”

SENATE PRESIDENT/UNION COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CHAIRMAN NICHOLAS SCUTARI

“Joanne was one of the finest public servants in the history of the State of New Jersey. Her track record in keeping our elections transparent, safe, and secure was second to none. In her role as both a Democratic party leader and as an expert in elections, there were no voices I trusted more. She will be dearly missed, but her incredible legacy will never be forgotten.”

STATE SENATOR JOSEPH CRYAN

“I know there will be a number of statements about Joanne Rajoppi today, and she deserves each and every one of those kind words. She was a tremendous person and an even better public servant. In a time when our most basic institutions are under assault for political gain, Joanne was someone we could always count on to be fair and accurate. Her dedication to those she served was unassailable, and her decency and integrity were without parallel. She will be missed. My family is thinking of hers today.”

FORMER CONGRESSMAN LEONARD LANCE

“County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi was a dedicated professional who treated me as a candidate competing on the Union County ballot in Congressional District 7 with dignity and respect.  She also welcomed my wife, Hunterdon County Surrogate Heidi Rohrbach, to the ranks of state constitutional officers with open arms.  We both mourn her loss and extend our deepest sympathy to her sons and grandchildren.

HUNTERDON COUNTY CLERK MARY MELFI

“Joanne was a Democrat, but more importantly, she was my friend. She reached out to me from the time I was elected Clerk in 2006. There wasn’t anything related to the Clerk’s world that she didn’t have knowledge about. Her guidance throughout the years helped me to be the best Clerk possible for the people I represent. Joanne was fun to be around and had even convinced me to go to Egypt with her. Union County has lost the best County Clerk, and I have lost a best friend.”

NEW JERSEY DEMOCRATIC STATE CHAIRMAN LEROY JONES

“Joanne Rajoppi was the epitome of public service. She was a woman of character and an important voice in democratic politics who will be missed by all who had the good fortune to cross her path. Her hard work and dedication to serving the public often went under the radar, but the number of lives she helped improve is simply immeasurable. Jackie and I are thinking of her many friends and family as we mourn her loss.”

UNON COUNTY COMMISSIONER CHAIRMAN JOSEPH BODEK

“I have known Joanne for more than 45 years, dating back to her campaign for mayor of Springfield. I watched her go on to serve as Union County Register of Deeds and Mortgages and later as County Clerk, building a remarkable career in public service.  Throughout all those years, Joanne was a constant presence in Union County government. She cared deeply about her work and the residents who relied on her office. She was smart, strong, and determined, and she never stopped working to improve the services her office provided. It is difficult to imagine our County without her. On behalf of the entire Board of County Commissioners, I extend our deepest condolences to her family, her loved ones, and everyone who had the privilege of working alongside her.”

UNION COUNTY COMMISSIONER KIMBERLY PALMIERI-MOUDED

“Joanne’s legacy is also an important part of the history of women in public service.  She stepped forward at a time when women were not nearly as well represented in elected office, and she showed that women belonged not only at the table, but in positions of leadership. Through her strength, longevity and example, she helped open doors for more women to run, serve and lead. I will always be grateful for her support and guidance, and she will be deeply missed.”

ASSEMBLYWOMAN/UNION COUNTY DEMOCRATIC VICE CHAIR LINDA CARTER

“Joanne Rajoppi was one of a kind. She paved the way for so many women in Union County and across the State. Her career in public service is unmatched, and her incredible accomplishments made Union County a better place to live.”

ESSEX COUNTY CLERK CHRISTOPHER DURKIN 

“I  am deeply saddened by the passing of Joanne Rajoppi. Joanne was a powerful political force with an elegant grace. She was a consummate professional with a thirst for knowledge. She loved American history and knew just what it meant. Joanne always answered my calls and questions..no matter what time of day. Joanne dedicated her supreme talents to state and national organizations. Joanne was a trailblazer who answered the call of service to her community and to strengthening democracy and its ideals throughout New Jersey and across America. May she rest in eternal peace.”

EASTERN ATLANTIC STATES REGIONAL COUNCIL OF CARPENTERS

“We mourn the passing of Joanne Rajoppi, a distinguished public servant whose life embodied an unwavering commitment to the people of New Jersey. Throughout her decades of service, Joanne led with integrity, compassion, and a steadfast belief that government should improve the lives of the communities it serves.

“Joanne’s dedication to public service was deeply rooted in a family whose contributions to New Jersey’s labor movement and civic life are unparalleled. The daughter of Raleigh and Mildred Rajoppi, she followed the example of parents who devoted themselves to advocating for working families and strengthening their communities. While working as a staff writer for the Newark Evening News, Joanne helped organize its Guild in 1971, reflecting her lifelong belief in the power of collective action and worker representation. She was also proud to be a Member of Carpenters Millwright Local Union 715, a recognition that reflected her enduring connection to the Brotherhood and the values it represents.

“Joanne often credited her parents for inspiring her lifelong commitment to public service. Her father, Raleigh Rajoppi, was one of the most influential labor leaders in the history of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters. As President of the New Jersey State Council of Carpenters from 1938 to 1975 and a member of the UBC General Executive Board representing New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia, and the District of Columbia, he dedicated his life to advancing the rights, benefits, and opportunities of working men and women. His legacy also includes his leadership of the New Jersey Carpenters benefit funds, distinguished public service, and his role in securing the donation of the Hutchinson Memorial Forest to Rutgers University, a contribution for which he received the Rutgers Medal. Today, his impact is permanently recognized through the Raleigh Rajoppi Atrium at the Rutgers School of Management and Labor Relations.

“The Rajoppi family’s story is one of service to workers, to government, and to the people of New Jersey. Joanne carried that legacy with grace and distinction, demonstrating throughout her career that public service and advocacy for working families go hand in hand.

“On behalf of our more than 42,000 members, the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters extends its deepest condolences to the Rajoppi family, her friends, and all those whose lives she touched. We are grateful for Joanne’s lifelong commitment to public service and for a family legacy that has strengthened both New Jersey’s labor movement and its public institutions for generations.

“May Joanne Rajoppi’s memory be a blessing and may the extraordinary legacy of the Rajoppi family continue to inspire all who believe in the dignity of work, the value of public service, and the enduring strength of organized labor.”

MERCER COUNTY CLERK PAULA SOLLAMI COVELLO

” Earlier today, I learned of the passing of Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi, who was not just a respected colleague, but also a true mentor and friend.

“:Joanne was deeply committed to public service. She understood the importance of the role and carried out her responsibilities with integrity, dedication, and genuine care for the people she served. She was innovative and smart. That is why she earned the admiration and respect of people on both sides of the political aisle.

“Over the years, we attended many educational conferences together and Statewide meetings, and political events, and I had the privilege of getting to know Joanne personally. Beyond her work, she was an adventurous traveler who loved to explore new places and, of course, enjoyed some shopping along the way.

“I will miss her wisdom, her friendship, and the example she set for all of us in public service. My heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends, colleagues, and everyone whose lives she touched. May she rest in peace.”

SOMERSET COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CHAIR PEG SCHAFFER

“My Mother, née Peggy O’Neil, was a county committeewoman in one of the smallest Union County Boroughs for half a century. Mom loved that role and often entrusted the care of the younger of her 10 children to her teenage daughter while she knocked on her neighbors’ doors. For reasons that became clear to me many years later, she adored Joanne Rajoppi. The level of respect and kindness with which Joanne treated Mom was the same she accorded to leaders of the State, County and Federal government. Despite the fact that Mom’s golf game never seemed to progress, Joanne regularly included her in her annual golf outings. As Mom slowed her involvement around age 90, I had the pleasure of seeing Clerk Rajoppi at many events. She never failed to inquire after Mom’s health and well-being. She was both gracious and graceful. The year after my Mother died, Joanne honored her by dedicating her next golf outing to Peggy O’Neil Schaffer. Thank you Joanne. Your thoughtfulness will never be forgotten.”