Joanne Rajoppi, Longtime Union County Clerk, Passes Away at 78

oanne H. Rajoppi, the highly regarded Union County Clerk for 30 years and a pioneer for women running for office in New Jersey, died after an illness. She was 78. Unionnewsdaily

For nearly five decades, Rajoppi served Union County residents in roles that shaped how government works. She began as Springfield mayor, moved into the Union County Register of Deeds and Mortgages office, and then led the County Clerk's office for three decades, according to Union County Life's coverage of major public figures.

"Throughout all those years, Joanne was a constant presence in Union County government," said Union County Commissioner Chairperson Joseph C. Bodek, who first met Rajoppi more than 45 years ago during her campaign for mayor. "She cared deeply about her work and the residents who relied on her office." New Providence

Rajoppi was recognized as an expert on election law and county government. Senate President Nicholas Scutari praised Rajoppi as "one of the finest public servants in the history of the State of New Jersey," noting that "Her track record in keeping our elections transparent, safe, and secure was second to none." Unionnewsdaily

Beyond her roles in government, Rajoppi taught public administration at Rutgers University for nearly 20 years and earned six National Association of Counties Awards for innovation in government and computerization. Funeral services were held Saturday, July 25, 2026, at St. Rose of Lima in Short Hills. TAPinto

Union County mourns the loss of a trailblazer whose work helped open doors for women in New Jersey politics and whose legacy will shape how residents access county services for generations. For more Union County news and community coverage, visit Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: What was Joanne Rajoppi's role in Union County government?
A: Rajoppi served as Union County Clerk for 30 years, leading a career in public service that spanned 53 years. She previously served as Springfield mayor and as Union County Register of Deeds and Mortgages. Her work focused on making government services more accessible through expanded online access to public records, election information, and resources for veterans and business owners.

Q: What was Rajoppi known for beyond her clerk position?
A: Rajoppi was a pioneer for women running for office in New Jersey and an expert on election law and county government. She taught public administration at Rutgers University for nearly 20 years and earned six National Association of Counties Awards for innovation in government and computerization.

Q: How long did Rajoppi serve as Union County Clerk?
A: Rajoppi served as Union County Clerk for 30 years, helping shape how residents access county services and public records during that time.

Q: What did state leaders say about Rajoppi?
A: Senate President Nicholas Scutari called her "one of the finest public servants in the history of the State of New Jersey," noting that her "track record in keeping our elections transparent, safe, and secure was second to none."

Q: What was the date and location of Rajoppi's funeral service?
A: Funeral Mass and Burial were held Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 10 a.m. at St. Rose of Lima, 50 Short Hills Avenue, Short Hills, NJ. The family requested donations to the Holy Family Hospital of Bethlehem Foundation and Covenant House New Jersey.