James Florio

James Joseph Florio (August 29, 1937 – September 25, 2022) was a Democratic politician. He served as the 49th Governor of New Jersey from 1990 to 1994, the first Italian American to hold the position (he is of half Italian ancestry). He also served as a member of the United States House of Representatives for 15 years between 1975 and 1990.

Jim Florio
Florio in 2000
49th Governor of New Jersey
In office January 16, 1990 – January 18, 1994
Preceded by	Thomas Kean
Succeeded by	Christine Todd Whitman
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New Jersey's 1st district
In office January 3, 1975 – January 16, 1990
Preceded by	John E. Hunt
Succeeded by	Rob Andrews
Member of the New Jersey General Assembly from 5th Legislative District
In office January 8, 1974 – January 3, 1975 Serving with Ernest F. Schuck
Preceded by	District created
Succeeded by	Ronald J. Casella
Member of the New Jersey General Assembly from Legislative District 3D
In office January 13, 1970 – January 8, 1974 Serving with John J. Horn
Preceded by	Lee B. Laskin
Succeeded by	District dissolved
Personal details
Born	James Joseph Florio (1937-08-29)August 29, 1937 Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Died	September 25, 2022(2022-09-25) (aged 85) Voorhees, New Jersey, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse(s)	Lucinda Florio
Alma mater	The College of New Jersey (B.A.) Rutgers School of Law–Camden (J.D.)
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	United States Navy
Years of service	1955-1975
Rank	Lieutenant Commander

Florio was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. His father was of Italian descent and his mother was of Scottish, Irish, and German descent.^[1] In Brooklyn, he attended Erasmus Hall High School.^[2]

Florio died on September 25, 2022, from heart failure at a hospital in Voorhees, New Jersey, at age 85.^[3] He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington County, Virginia.^[4]