John T. Odorisio

John T. Odorisio was born in Camden around 1926 to Joseph and Nettie Odorisio. After his father passed away, he lived with his older brother Rocco and sister Constance at 425 Beckett Street, as recorded in the 1930 Census. His mother supported the family by working at a coat factory. They were still living at Beckett Street when the 1947 Camden City Directory was published.

John was a member of the Camden High School football team in 1945, which was co-champions with Collingswood High School in Group 4. His teammates included Antonio Doganiero, Bill Gimello, Joseph Giordano, Frank Perrone, Angelo Errichetti, Joseph Pepe, Eric Williams, Albert Mitroz, Carmine Caprice, Edward Kitlas, Joseph Caparola, and Steve Szwak. The team was coached by Walt Nowak and John Zizak.

In the early 1950s, John Odorisio served on the Camden Board of Education. On August 26, 1954, he was appointed City Clerk for Camden by Commissioner E. George Aaron, following the death of the previous City Clerk, Clay W. Reesman, on January 3, 1949. Mary MacClennon, Reesman's long-time assistant, had served as acting City Clerk for over five years until Odorisio's appointment.