Paul R. D'Amato

Paul Richard D'Amato (born July 19, 1947) is an American lawyer and a Republican Party politician who represented the 2nd Legislative District in the New Jersey General Assembly from 2002 until he resigned in May 2003.

Early life and education Paul Richard D'Amato was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey to parents William D'Amato and Grace D'Amato. He was raised in nearby Margate City and Linwood. He was named for his uncle, Paul "Skinny" D'Amato, owner of the 500 Club in Atlantic City. He is of Italian descent and was raised Catholic.

D'Amato attended Blessed Sacrament Grammar School in Margate City, graduating in 1961, and Atlantic City High School, graduating in 1965. He earned his undergraduate degree from Mount Saint Mary’s College and Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland, in 1969, and received a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law School in Washington, D.C., in 1974. D'Amato later entered public service and became mayor of Linwood in 2000.

New Jersey Assembly With incumbent Kenneth LeFevre not running for re-election, D'Amato was chosen by Republicans to take his place. D'Amato, running together with Republican incumbent Francis J. Blee, defeated Democrats Dianna W. Fauntleroy and Fred Scerni in the 2001 New Jersey General Assembly election. He resigned from office on May 16, 2003, and his vacant seat was filled by Kirk W. Conover, who was serving on the Atlantic County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

Electoral history Election box begin no change| title=New Jersey general election, 2001

Personal life D'Amato currently resides in his hometown of Linwood. He has been married to his wife, Sandra, since 1970. The couple has three daughters: Alexa, Ava, and Ashley.