Hugh Joseph Addonizio (January 31, 1914 in Newark, New Jersey-February 2, 1981 in Red Bank, New Jersey) was a U.S. political figure. He graduated from Fordham University in New York City in 1939 and went to work for A&C Clothing, Co. in Newark where he became vice president in 1946. During World War II he had served in the United States Army, attaining the rank of second lieutenant.
In 1946, Addonizio ran for and won a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives as a Democrat. He resigned his seat on June 30, 1962 to run for mayor of Newark. He served as mayor from 1962 until 1970 when he lost his reelection bid. Addonizio, the last white mayor of Newark, was convicted of corruption after leaving office.
Much of the corruption became public when he was convicted, along with five others working in or through his administration, of "literally delivering the city into the hands of organized crime," according to former U.S. District Judge Herbert J. Stern. Convicted with Addonizio on charges of extortion were Anthony (Tony Boy) Boiardo, reputed Mafia leader; former city public works director Anthony LaMorte; Norman Schiff and Phillip Gordon, both former city corporation counsel, and Ralph Vacaro, labeled the "bag man" for Boiardo.
All five were charged with taking kickbacks on heavy construction projects. Addonizio was sentenced to 10 years but was released in 1979 after serving five.
