Joseph M. Nardi Jr. served as Camden’s mayor from 1969 to 1973 and had a distinguished career as a judge and community leader. Born and raised in Camden, he graduated from the Rutgers University School of Law in 1956 and became actively involved in various professional and community organizations. He served on the Board of Trustees at St. Joseph’s Preparatory School and Saint Joseph’s University, where he also presided as president of the Alumni Association from 1986 to 1988. Additionally, he contributed to organizations like The Salvation Army, the Camden County Girl Scout Council, and the Knights of Columbus.
In his legal career, Judge Nardi held numerous positions. In the late 1960s, he served as a judge in the Municipal Court of Camden before briefly holding the same position in Voorhees Township. He later became the Presiding Judge of the Family Part in Camden County, focusing much of his work on the welfare of children. He was deeply concerned about juvenile crime and emphasized the role of strong family structures in addressing social issues. On one occasion, he noted, “The only thing that is going to change [juvenile crime rates] is a real family. It’s over simplistic, but it’s true. I have 17-year-olds who can't read, who haven't been to school in two years. How do you patch that up? It starts with family.”
Judge Nardi also contributed to high-profile cases, including filing an amicus curiae brief in the landmark “Baby M” surrogate mother case on behalf of the National Committee for Adoption, Inc. After 13 years as Judge of the Superior Court of New Jersey Family Court in Camden County, he retired from active service but continued as a Recall Judge in Burlington County until 2002.
Judge Nardi received numerous honors for his contributions. Both Rutgers University and its law school presented him with Distinguished Alumnus Awards. In 1994, he was awarded the Bishop’s Medal by the Diocese of Camden, and Pope John Paul II named him a Knight of St. Gregory. The Camden Board of Education also recognized him with its Distinguished Achievement Award.
Joseph M. Nardi Jr. passed away at his home in Audubon, New Jersey, on November 23, 2003.
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