Peter Shapiro, Political Trailblazer in New Jersey, Passes Away at 71

Peter Shapiro, a prominent figure in New Jersey politics renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to governance, has died at the age of 71.

Shapiro, who served as the first Essex County executive and was the youngest person ever elected to the New Jersey General Assembly, passed away in March 2024 at his home in South Orange, N.J.

The cause of his death was reported as respiratory failure, following a prolonged battle with lung disease, according to his wife, Bryna Linett. The exact date of his passing remains under dispute, with some sources citing March 28 while others list March 29.

Shapiro’s political journey began at a remarkably young age when, at just 23 years old, he was elected to the New Jersey General Assembly. During his tenure as a young assemblyman, Shapiro played a pivotal role in reforming local government structures.

He successfully campaigned for a charter change that revamped Essex County’s governance, ushering in a system that coupled the Board of Chosen Freeholders with a strong county executive.

In 1978, Shapiro secured victory in the inaugural race for Essex County executive, defeating established political figures to assume the role.

His tenure as county executive was marked by a series of transformative reforms, including overhauls of the county’s welfare program, decentralization of services, and fiscal policies that aimed to lower property taxes.

However, Shapiro’s political career faced a setback in 1986 when he was defeated for re-election by Nicholas R. Amato, a former Democrat. The defeat came after Shapiro’s disagreements with fellow Democratic legislators over spending and taxation policies.

Born on April 18, 1952, in Newark, Shapiro grew up in Orange and South Orange. He displayed early signs of activism during his high school years, where he led protests against the Vietnam War.

After graduating from Harvard College in 1974, Shapiro entered politics, working on various political campaigns and eventually serving as an aide to the state transportation commissioner.

Shapiro’s contributions to public service extended beyond his political career. Following his time in office, he pursued a successful career in finance, founding Swap Financial Group, an independent investment adviser in Manhattan.

Shapiro’s expertise in regulatory reform and financial crisis management earned him recognition and respect in both the public and private sectors.

He is survived by his wife, Bryna Linett, their son Samuel, and two sisters, Nancy and Margaret (Pooh) Shapiro. Peter Shapiro leaves behind a lasting legacy as a political pioneer and a dedicated advocate for positive change in New Jersey.