NJ Assemblyman Peter Biondi Dead At 69

New Jersey Assemblyman Peter Biondi has died two days after he was re-elected to an eighth term.

The Republican, who represented parts of Somerset and Morris counties, was 69.

Biondi disclosed last month that he had been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma a year ago.

The Star-Ledger of Newark reports Biondi sponsored legislation to provide flood relief for hurricane victims, increase penalties for drunken drivers with juvenile passengers and fund farmland preservation during his 14 years in the Legislature.

Biondi had worked as a trucking company executive and owned a golf course.

He's survived by a wife and two children.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

INCOMING-ASSEMBLY MAJORITY LEADER LOU GREENWALD (D-Camden):

“Assemblyman Biondi dedicated his life to public service, and it’s difficult to imagine sitting in the Assembly chamber and not seeing him there with us. He was a good man and a good friend who always put the public interest above partisanship. He was just a really nice man who always had a warm greeting and who will be missed, and our condolences go out to his family during their time of mourning.”

ASSEMBLY DEPUTY SPEAKER JOHN WISNIEWSKI (D-Middlesex):

“When considering Assemblyman Biondi’s contribution to New Jersey, you must start by considering how his public service spanned the gamut from serving New Jersey’s youth to protecting residents from industrial pollution to 13 years of service in the People’s House. His loss will be felt heavily, and we send our prayers to his friends and family.”

INCOMING ASSEMBLY BUDGET CHAIRMAN VINCENT PRIETO (D-Hudson):

“This is a sad day for New Jersey. Assemblyman Biondi exemplified dedication to public service and putting good policy above politics. His knowledge and experience were valuable assets to the people of New Jersey, so his loss will be felt deeply. Our thoughts are with his family during their time of loss.”