William Musto
Encyclopedia
William V. Musto also known as Billy Musto or "Bill Musto", was the Mayor of Union City, New Jersey
, from 1962 to 1970 and from 1974 to 1982. He served in the New Jersey General Assembly
from 1947 to 1966 and in the New Jersey Senate
from 1966 to 1982. The New York Times
called him a "charismatic and visionary force" in New Jersey politics for decades.
Musto was born in West Hoboken
(now part of Union City) on March 27, 1917. He was a graduate of John Marshall Law School (now the Seton Hall University School of Law
) in Newark
. He served in World War II as a Captain in the 80th Division, 315th FA, Co C (as CO), General George S. Patton
's Third Army, earning a Bronze Star. In 1946 he was elected to the New Jersey assembly, where he started his long political career.
Musto's career ended in 1982, when he was convicted of racketeering in United States Federal Court in Newark. The trial was controversial and many New Jersey residents believe he was innocent. Musto himself declared his innocence for the rest of his life. He was succeeded in the New Jersey Senate
by Christopher Jackman
. Musto died in 2006 at the age of 88 from complications of Alzheimer's disease
.
.
Union City, New Jersey
Union City is a city in Hudson County, New Jersey, United States. According to the 2010 United States Census the city had a total population of 66,455. All of the city is on land, an area of...
, from 1962 to 1970 and from 1974 to 1982. He served in the New Jersey General Assembly
New Jersey General Assembly
The New Jersey General Assembly is the lower house of the New Jersey Legislature.Since the election of 1967 , the Assembly has consisted of 80 members. Two members are elected from each of New Jersey's 40 legislative districts for a term of two years, each representing districts with average...
from 1947 to 1966 and in the New Jersey Senate
New Jersey Senate
The New Jersey Senate was established as the upper house of the New Jersey Legislature by the Constitution of 1844, replacing the Legislative Council. From 1844 until 1965 New Jersey's counties elected one Senator, each. Under the 1844 Constitution the term of office was three years. The 1947...
from 1966 to 1982. The New York Times
The New York Times
The New York Times is an American daily newspaper founded and continuously published in New York City since 1851. The New York Times has won 106 Pulitzer Prizes, the most of any news organization...
called him a "charismatic and visionary force" in New Jersey politics for decades.
Musto was born in West Hoboken
West Hoboken, New Jersey
West Hoboken was a municipality that existed in Hudson County, New Jersey, United States, from 1861 to 1925.West Hoboken was originally incorporated as a township by an Act of the New Jersey Legislature on February 28, 1861, from portions of North Bergen Township. The township was reincorporated on...
(now part of Union City) on March 27, 1917. He was a graduate of John Marshall Law School (now the Seton Hall University School of Law
Seton Hall University School of Law
The Seton Hall University School of Law is part of Seton Hall University, and is located in downtown Newark, New Jersey. Seton Hall Law School is the only private law school in New Jersey, and is the top-ranked of the three law schools in the state...
) in Newark
Newark, New Jersey
Newark is the largest city in the American state of New Jersey, and the seat of Essex County. As of the 2010 United States Census, Newark had a population of 277,140, maintaining its status as the largest municipality in New Jersey. It is the 68th largest city in the U.S...
. He served in World War II as a Captain in the 80th Division, 315th FA, Co C (as CO), General George S. Patton
George S. Patton
George Smith Patton, Jr. was a United States Army officer best known for his leadership while commanding corps and armies as a general during World War II. He was also well known for his eccentricity and controversial outspokenness.Patton was commissioned in the U.S. Army after his graduation from...
's Third Army, earning a Bronze Star. In 1946 he was elected to the New Jersey assembly, where he started his long political career.
Musto's career ended in 1982, when he was convicted of racketeering in United States Federal Court in Newark. The trial was controversial and many New Jersey residents believe he was innocent. Musto himself declared his innocence for the rest of his life. He was succeeded in the New Jersey Senate
New Jersey Senate
The New Jersey Senate was established as the upper house of the New Jersey Legislature by the Constitution of 1844, replacing the Legislative Council. From 1844 until 1965 New Jersey's counties elected one Senator, each. Under the 1844 Constitution the term of office was three years. The 1947...
by Christopher Jackman
Christopher Jackman
Christopher J. "Chris" Jackman was an American Democratic Party politician from New Jersey, who served in both houses of the New Jersey Legislature. He was Speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly from 1978 until 1982....
. Musto died in 2006 at the age of 88 from complications of Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease also known in medical literature as Alzheimer disease is the most common form of dementia. There is no cure for the disease, which worsens as it progresses, and eventually leads to death...
.
Legacy
On June 18, 2011, Union City honored Musto by opening the William V. Musto Cultural Center, which houses the Union City Museum of Art, the Union City Police Museum, the Union City Art Gallery and Concert Hall, the Union City Museum of History and a senior citizen center. The center is housed in the former public library on 15th Street, which was originally built by Cranwell family builders, with funds donated by Andrew CarnegieAndrew Carnegie
Andrew Carnegie was a Scottish-American industrialist, businessman, and entrepreneur who led the enormous expansion of the American steel industry in the late 19th century...
.