Joseph Hirkala (November 16, 1923 – January 1, 1987) was an American

Democratic Party Democratic Party most often refers to: *Democratic Party (United States) Democratic Party and similar terms may also refer to: Active parties Africa *Botswana Democratic Party *Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea *Gabonese Democratic Party *Demo ...

politician who served in the New Jersey State Senate from 1972 until 1987. Hirkala was born in

Passaic, New Jersey Passaic ( or ) is a city in Passaic County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 U.S. census, the city had a total population of 70,537, ranking as the 16th largest municipality in New Jersey and an increase of 656 from the 69,78 ...

and attended Drake Business School. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was employed by the City of Passaic, as the Assistant Tax Assessor, Registrar of Vital Statistics, Supervisor of Local Public Records, and for many years as the City Clerk. He was elected to the New Jersey General Assembly in 1967 and re-elected in 1969. He was elected State Senator in 1971, and re-elected in 1973, 1977, 1981, and 1983. He died in office. During his 26 years in the Senate, he served as Assistant Minority Leader, Majority Whip, Assistant Majority leader and President Pro Tempore.

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1923 births 1987 deaths Democratic Party New Jersey state senators United States Navy personnel of World War II Democratic Party members of the New Jersey General Assembly Politicians from Passaic, New Jersey 20th-century American legislators 20th-century New Jersey politicians {{NewJersey-politician-stub