'Palaia Day' Measure Awaits Christie's Signature

OCEAN TOWNSHIP — A bill that would designate Feb. 3 as "Senator Joseph Palaia Day" each year in New Jersey is awaiting Gov. Chris Christie's signature after it was passed by the New Jersey Legislature last week.

The resolution, sponsored by Sen. Jennifer Beck (R-Monmouth), pays tribute to “Senator Joe” Palaia, a beloved Monmouth County legislator and elementary school principal who died Aug. 20, 2016, at 89.

"Senator Joe was a beloved educator and a true statesman, and his name is synonymous with public service in our community,” Beck said in a news release. “I knew when I was elected to serve Monmouth County that I had big shoes to fill. Joe always put the needs of the people of New Jersey first. He was an exceptionally kind and dedicated school principal who became a champion for children across our state.”

Palaia, who was born on Feb. 3, 1927, served as a Monmouth County senator from 1989 until 2007 in the seat now occupied by Beck. His career in public service spanned four decades, including service in the General Assembly, the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders, and the Ocean Township Council. “Senator Joe,” as he was lovingly known, also served as the mayor of Ocean Township from 1971 until 1979.

Palaia also was the longtime principal at Wanamassa Elementary School, where he was first appointed in 1956. He brought his lifelong passion for education to the legislature and was known as one of the strongest advocates for expanding educational and medical services for children. He was a prime sponsor of the lifesaving New Jersey Childproof Handgun Law and fought fiercely to increase federal and state funding for programs that support children with disabilities.

“It is my hope that establishing ‘Senator Joseph Palaia Day’ will always serve as a reminder of the invaluable contributions he made on behalf of the people of New Jersey,” Beck said. "Our state is undoubtedly better off because of his decades of faithful service.”

SJR-87 was passed unanimously by the state Senate on Dec. 19 and also passed the Assembly.

Photo provided by Sen. Jennifer Beck's office