Joseph Margiotta

Joseph M. Margiotta (June 6, 1927 – November 28, 2008) was an American political boss who ran the Nassau County, New York Republican Party, considered "one of the most powerful political organizations in New York State", until his 1983 convictions on federal charges.

Life Margiotta represented Uniondale in the New York State Assembly from 1966 to 1976, sitting in the 176th, 177th, 178th, 179th, 180th and 181st New York State Legislatures.

Margiotta became chairman of the Nassau Republican Party in 1967, exercising control over political appointments and patronage jobs, and playing an active role in issues including allocation of cable television franchises and bridge tolls. Residents would often call a local Republican committeeman to deal with issues like broken streetlights instead of calling a county agency.

Hofstra University Head bust of Joseph Margiotta on Hofstra University campus which stands outside the main athletic complex. Margiotta was an alumnus of Hofstra University, which named its field house Margiotta Hall in his honor in 1991. Margiotta was a Hofstra student-athlete and long-time supporter. He founded the Hofstra Pride Club and served as its president for more than 20 years. The Joseph M. Margiotta Distinguished Service Award is given annually by Hofstra in recognition of extraordinary dedication, generosity and service to the Hofstra Pride Club and Hofstra athletics.