Joseph Hirkala

Joseph Hirkala was born in Passaic, New Jersey,{{Cite news |date=January 2, 1987 |title=State Sen. Joseph Hirkala dies of heart attack at 63 |page=B2 |work=The Record |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-record/159725231/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}} on November 16, 1923, to Julia and Andrew Hirkala.{{Cite news |date=November 17, 1943 |title=In Service |page=12 |work=Herald News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-news/159084282/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=April 26, 1948 |title=Barszcz Names |page=2 |work=Herald News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-news/159084413/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}} His family was of Slovak Americans descent.{{Cite news |date=September 24, 1979 |title=Cultural nostalgia draws Slovaks to Holmdel fest |page=13 |work=The Star-Ledger |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-star-ledger/159678592/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}} He married Josephine Chorazy, with whom he had two children, on February 9, 1952.{{Cite news |date=February 11, 1952 |title=Miss Chorazy Nurse, Marries |page=10 |work=Herald News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-news/159084935/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}}

Hirkala dropped out of Passaic High School at the age of 17 in order to join the United States Navy on November 26, 1940. He conducted his training in Rhode Island and San Diego, California. He worked as a signalman and received the Philippine Liberation Medal before being discharged on December 1, 1945. He suffered a disability as a result of his service and was hospitalized for over 13 months.{{Cite news |date=May 25, 1951 |title=Clerk Granted Sick Leave Sans Pay |page=27 |work=Paterson Morning Call |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-morning-call/159084744/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}}[https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GPO-CRECB-1985-pt26/pdf/GPO-CRECB-1985-pt26-2-3.pdf#page=18 "Congressional Salute To The Honorable State Senator Joseph Hirkala Of New Jersey, Esteemed City Clerk, Community Leader And Great American; Hon. Robert A. Roe"], Congressional Record, December 11, 1985. Accessed January 12, 2025. "Mr. Speaker, there is much that can be said of Senator Hirkala and his lifetime of accomplishments in service to people. We are proud to boast that he was born and raised in the city of Passaic, NJ. He attended Passaic High School and Drake Business School. At the young age of 17 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served with distinction until his honorable discharge on December 1, 1945."

Hirkala was elected as a Republican Passaic county committeeman from the 4th ward in 1948. He ran for commissioner in 1963 with Leonard Simon as his campaign manager,{{Cite news |date=April 15, 1963 |title=Hirkala Appoints Simon Manager |page=17 |work=Herald News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-news/159149285/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}} and placed seventh.{{Cite news |date=May 15, 1963 |title=Hirkala May Be Back Again |page=4 |work=Herald News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-news/159149299/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}}

Hirkala was appointed as a clerk in the Passaic tax collector's office on April 26, 1948, and assistant city clerk on November 17, 1951.{{Cite news |date=April 26, 1948 |title=Barszcz Names Payne Personal, Tax Collector |page=1 |work=Herald News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-news/159084399/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=March 11, 1963 |title=Hirkala Hat In Board Ring |page=17 |work=Herald News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-news/159149167/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}} He became assistant city clerk of Clifton, New Jersey, on May 2, 1960, but resigned on June 24, and returned to his post as assistant city clerk of Passaic citing his "sentimental attachment" to Passaic.{{Cite news |date=June 24, 1960 |title=Hirkala Returns To Passaic Post |page=21 |work=Herald News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-news/159085407/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}} He was appointed as acting registrar of vital statistics on March 2, 1965.{{Cite news |date=March 3, 1965 |title=Hirkala Is Named Acting Registrar |page=11 |work=Paterson Morning Call |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-morning-call/159149418/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}} He became acting city manager on March 3, 1971, after Paul McCauley was removed by a city council vote of 5 to 2{{Cite news |date=March 4, 1971 |title=McCauley Out, Hirkala Gets Job |page=1 |work=Paterson Evening News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news/159341723/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}} and served for one day before Albert R. Galik was appointed.{{Cite news |date=March 5, 1971 |title=Passaic Names Galik Manager |page=1 |work=Herald News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-news/159341779/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=March 5, 1971 |title=Galik Named Passaic Manager |page=2 |work=Herald News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-news/159341790/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}}

Anthony Martini, who served as city clerk of Passaic for 28 years, left office on January 1, 1977, and was replaced by Hirkala.{{Cite news |date=November 17, 1976 |title=Passaic city clerk retires |page=C2 |work=Herald News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-news/159596306/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=November 29, 1976 |title=Hirkala Is Promoted to City Clerk |page=10 |work=Paterson Evening News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news/159596336/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}} He stated in 1984 that he would retire as clerk within the next two years and was succeeded by assistant clerk Sabatina Fiorellino on January 1, 1986.{{Cite news |date=February 23, 1984 |title=Hirkala planning to retire from Passaic city clerk job |page=B2 |work=Herald News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-news/159724915/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=December 20, 1985 |title=Passaic council OKs Fiorellino as new city clerk |page=3A |work=Herald News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-news/159724904/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}}

Hirkala supported Paul L. Troast during the 1953 gubernatorial election{{Cite news |date=October 27, 1953 |title=Ex-Servicemen Organize Four Passaic Wards for Troast |page=4 |work=Herald News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-news/159085105/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}} and Robert A. Roe in the 1969 election.{{Cite news |date=February 4, 1969 |title=Hirkala's For Roe |page=6 |work=The Morning Call |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-morning-call/159203071/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}} He worked as Roe's campaign manager during the 1970 U.S. House election.{{Cite news |date=September 24, 1970 |title=Hirkala Will Manage Campaign For Roe |page=B16 |work=The Record |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-record/159274524/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}} He endorsed J. Edward Crabiel for the Democratic nomination during the 1973 gubernatorial election,{{Cite news |date=February 22, 1973 |title=Hirkala Backs Crabiel Bid For Governor |page=1 |work=Paterson Evening News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news/159468553/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}} but stated that he would have endorsed Roe had he ran.{{Cite news |date=March 1, 1973 |title=Hirkala switches to Roe |page=A14 |work=The Record |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-record/159468608/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=March 1, 1973 |title=The governor's race heating up |page=A6 |work=Courier News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-courier-news/159468640/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}} He endorsed Brendan Byrne after Crabiel withdrew.{{Cite news |date=May 3, 1973 |title=Crabiel's withdrawal, support gives Byrne front-runner's role |page=A1 |work=The Record |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-record/159468918/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}} He endorsed Roe during the 1977 gubernatorial election.{{Cite news |date=June 3, 1973 |title=Senator Joseph Hirkala Proudly Endorsees Bob Roe For Governor |page=B3 |work=Herald News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-news/159643237/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}}

Anthony J. Grossi, chair of the Passaic County Democratic Party since 1959, retired on June 7, 1972, and Hirkala was selected by acclamation to succeed him on June 13.{{Cite news |date=June 13, 1972 |title=Grossi declines Paterson draft |page=A6 |work=The Record |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-record/159402736/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=June 14, 1972 |title=Party Leaders Elected |page=1 |work=Paterson Evening News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news/159402757/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}} He supported removing Thomas Eagleton from the Democratic ticket during the 1972 presidential election due to allegations that Eagleton had been arrested for drunk driving in the past.{{Cite news |date=July 28, 1972 |title=Hirkala: Let Eagleton go |page=17 |work=Herald News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-news/159402984/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}} Hirkala declined to seek reelection as chair in 1973, and Grossi was elected to succeed him on June 12.{{Cite news |date=May 29, 1973 |title=Hirkala Won't Seek Reelection As County Democratic Leader |page=1 |work=Paterson Evening News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news/159468999/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=June 13, 1973 |title=Upset in Bergen tops county leader voting |page=1 |work=Herald News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-news/159469010/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}}

In 1967, Hirkala ran for a seat in the New Jersey General Assembly from district 14A as the Democratic nominee.{{Cite news |date=September 9, 1967 |title=Predict Quiet Election Except at Morris Polls |page=2 |work=Paterson Evening News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news/159149662/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}}{{sfn|1967 primary|1967|p=11}} Simon was his campaign manager.{{Cite news |date=August 12, 1967 |title=Salow Says New Board Not Legal |page=9 |work=Herald News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-news/159149697/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}} He defeated Republican nominee Mervyn Montgomery.{{sfn|1967 election|1967|p=12}} For the 1969 election, he was redistricted into the two-member district 14B and was elected alongside Republican nominee Joseph F. Scancarella.{{sfn|1969 primary|1969|p=12}}{{sfn|1969 election|1969|p=9}}

Hirkala ran for one of three seats in the New Jersey Senate from the 14th district in the 1971 election.{{sfn|1971 primary|1971|p=13}} Hirkala, William J. Bate, and Joseph A. Lazzara were the Democratic nominees and all three won in the general election.{{sfn|1971 election|1971|p=12}} He was redistricted into the single-member 34th district and defeated Republican nominee Louise Friedman in the 1973 election.{{sfn|1973 primary|1973|p=14}}{{sfn|1973 election|1973|p=10}} He defeated Republican nominee Herman Schmidt in the 1977 election.{{sfn|1977 primary|1977|p=23}}{{sfn|1977 election|1977|p=11}} He was redistricted into the 36th district for the 1981 election and defeated Republican nominee Philip Gervato.{{sfn|1981 primary|1981|p=17}}{{sfn|1981 election|1981|p=16}} He defeated Republican nominee Joseph Job in the 1983 election{{sfn|1983 primary|1983|p=13}}{{sfn|1983 election|1983|p=20}} after spending $129,176 ({{Inflation|US|129,176|1981|fmt=eq}}) compared to Job's $102,086 ({{Inflation|US|102,086|1981|fmt=eq}}).{{Cite news |date=November 29, 1983 |title=Senate race in 30th District establishes record for campaign spending |page=29 |work=The Star-Ledger |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-star-ledger/159724571/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}}

During Hirkala's tenure in the general assembly he served on the Labor committee.{{Cite news |date=February 23, 1968 |title=Compensation Law: 'Slight' Benefit Boon |page=22 |work=Herald News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-news/159187197/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}} During his tenure in the state senate, he served on the State Government and Federal and Interstate Relations committee,{{Cite news |date=January 15, 1972 |title=Senate Appoints Turner To Two Key Committees |page=7 |work=Gloucester County Times |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/gloucester-county-times/159401473/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}} was vice-chair of the Energy and Environment committee,{{Cite news |date=September 25, 1979 |title=Dam repair bills is up for vote |page=2 |work=The News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news/159678735/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}} and chaired the Institutions, Health and Welfare committee.{{Cite news |date=January 5, 1974 |title=Hirkala Heads Senate Institutions Committee |page=1 |work=Paterson Evening News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news/159515089/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}}

Hirkala was selected as assistant minority leader in 1972 after being nominated by Bate{{Cite news |date=February 1, 1972 |title=Senate names Hirkala to leadership post |page=2 |work=Herald News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-news/159401657/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}} and Majority Whip in 1973.{{Cite news |date=December 12, 1973 |title=Democrat senators hold peaceful vote |page=6 |work=Herald News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-news/159514732/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}} The Democrats selected three assistant majority leaders in 1975, with Hirkala selected to serve alongside Joseph A. Maressa and Joseph McGahn.{{Cite news |date=December 16, 1975 |title=S. Jersey Clout Up In Trenton |page=A2 |work=Gloucester County Times |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/gloucester-county-times/159594553/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}} Majority Leader Steven P. Perskie resigned on June 17, 1982, as he was being appointed as a superior court judge and Hirkala was selected to replace him.{{Cite news |date=June 18, 1982 |title=Senate majority leader resigns for judge's chair |page=D1 |work=Asbury Park Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/asbury-park-press/159724006/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}} In 1983, he was selected to replace Matthew Feldman as president pro tempore.{{Cite news |date=November 29, 1983 |title=Russo expected to win Senate majority leader post |page=A6 |work=Home News Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-central-new-jersey-home-news/159724535/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}}

In 1975, Senator John J. Fay Jr. accused Hirkala of improper conduct by delaying a bill that would create a legislative commission to study allegations in the nursing home industry. He stated that two of Hirkala's unpaid advisers were nursing home operators. Hirkala requested an investigation into himself and Matthew Boylan, the director of criminal justice, determined that no improper conduct was discovered.{{Cite news |date=February 14, 1975 |title=No improper conduct found against Hirkala |page=8 |work=Herald News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-news/159582282/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}}

Hirkala underwent surgery to remove his kidney in 1978.{{Cite news |date=September 1, 1978 |title=Hirkala Recovers At Home |page=29 |work=Paterson Evening News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news/159676564/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}} In 1985, he announced that he would not seek reelection in 1987 due to poor health.{{Cite news |date=December 24, 1985 |title=Hirkala says he will not seek reelection |page=C1 |work=The Record |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-record/159725059/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}} He was hospitalized on July 14, 1986, to treat phlebitis.{{Cite news |date=July 18, 1986 |title=Hirkala 'stable' with phlebitis |page=A12 |work=Herald News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-news/159725090/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}} He announced that he would seek reelection on November 23,{{Cite news |date=November 24, 1986 |title=Hirkala announces he's running again |page=A3 |work=Herald News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-news/159725160/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}} but died of a heart attack on January 1, 1987.{{Cite news |date=January 2, 1987 |title=Sen. Joseph Hirkala dies of heart attack at 63 |page=1 |work=The Star-Ledger |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-star-ledger/159725182/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}} He was the third state senator, after John P. Caufield and Walter E. Foran, to die in office within the previous year.{{Cite news |date=January 14, 1987 |title=Russo urges Legislature to strive for compromise |page=B18 |work=Asbury Park Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/asbury-park-press/159725412/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}} Gabriel M. Ambrosio won the special election to fill the vacancy created by Hirkala's death.{{Cite news |date=March 25, 1987 |title=Ambrosio wins seat in Senate |page=A1 |work=Herald News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-news/159725507/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}}

Hirkala opposed the use of desegregation busing.{{Cite news |date=October 27, 1967 |title=Hirkala Disavows Busing Support, Rival Skeptical |page=7 |work=Paterson Evening News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news/159149868/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}} He and Augustus Capers proposed an amendment to the Constitution of New Jersey to lower the voting age to 18 in 1968.{{Cite news |date=January 23, 1968 |title=Bill Would Give Paterson Judge |page=3 |work=The Morning Call |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-morning-call/159186525/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}} He supported legislation to freeze the price of tuition at state colleges.{{Cite news |date=February 11, 1972 |title=Bill would freeze tuitions |page=2 |work=Herald News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-news/159401957/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}} He voted in favor of restoring capital punishment in 1972{{Cite news |date=May 12, 1972 |title=NJ Senate Restores Death Penalty |page=2 |work=Paterson Evening News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news/159402440/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}} and 1980.{{Cite news |date=November 25, 1980 |title=Senate OKs death penalty |page=A1 |work=Herald News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-news/159715135/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}} He opposed efforts to abolish the New Jersey State Commission of Investigation in 1975.{{Cite news |date=March 5, 1975 |title=Hirkala for SCI Continuance |page=10 |work=Paterson Evening News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news/159582711/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}} He voted in favor of legislation to remove the blue laws for the six Sundays before Christmas.{{Cite news |date=April 29, 1980 |title=Bill to lift 'blue laws' advances |page=A22 |work=The Record |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-record/159713496/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}}

Hirkala supported an amendment to the state constitution to prohibit an income tax.{{Cite news |date=November 20, 1968 |title=Lawmakers Ask Income Tax Ban |page=1 |work=The Morning Call |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-morning-call/159189621/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}}{{Cite news |date=February 10, 1975 |title=How legislators line up on tax |page=4 |work=The Star-Ledger |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-star-ledger/159581915/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}} He called for Treasurer Richard Leone to resign on June 25, 1975, stating that he was responsible for New Jersey's poor financial status and his support for an income tax.{{Cite news |date=June 26, 1975 |title=Hirkala says Leone should step aside |page=7 |work=Herald News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-news/159594347/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}} He voted against raising the sales tax by 1% in 1982.{{Cite news |date=December 14, 1982 |title=How they voted |page=38 |work=The Star-Ledger |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-star-ledger/159724223/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}} In 1983, he voted in favor of raising the income tax on those earning more than $50,000 a year by 1%.{{Cite news |date=January 2, 1983 |title=Here's how they voted |page=A5 |work=Asbury Park Press |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/asbury-park-press/159724236/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}} In 1982, he authored legislation that regulated ticket resale, with public facilities requiring licensed ticket sellers.{{sfn|Bershad|Ensor|1985|pp=102; 109}}

Hirkala wrote a resolution honoring József Mindszenty following his death.{{Cite news |date=May 12, 1975 |title=Cardinal Mindszenty Gets Senate Tribute |page=2 |work=Paterson Evening News |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news/159583551/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}} He opposed President Jimmy Carter returning the Holy Crown of Hungary to Hungary, citing its human rights record.{{Cite news |date=December 28, 1977 |title=25 protest return of crown |page=C3 |work=The Record |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-record/159644734/ |archive-url= |archive-date= |via=Newspapers.com}}

{{Election box open primary begin no change|title = 1967 New Jersey General Assembly district 14A election{{sfn|1967 primary|1967|p=11}}{{sfn|1967 election|1967|p=12}}

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Joseph Hirkala

|votes = 2,102

|percentage = 100.00%

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 2,102

|percentage = 100.00%

}}

{{Election box open primary general election no change}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Joseph Hirkala

|votes = 18,730

|percentage = 50.93%

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Mervyn Montgomery

|votes = 18,044

|percentage = 49.07%

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 36,774

|percentage = 100.00%

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box open primary begin no change|title = 1969 New Jersey General Assembly district 14B election{{sfn|1969 primary|1969|p=12}}{{sfn|1969 election|1969|p=9}}

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Joseph Hirkala (incumbent)

|votes = 7,228

|percentage = 50.85%

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Robert J. Jablonski

|votes = 6,986

|percentage = 49.15%

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 14,214

|percentage = 100.00%

}}

{{Election box open primary general election no change}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Joseph Hirkala (incumbent)

|votes = 41,671

|percentage = 26.95%

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Joseph F. Scancarella

|votes = 41,301

|percentage = 26.71%

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Joseph J. Bender

|votes = 35,375

|percentage = 22.88%

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Robert J. Jablonski

|votes = 34,806

|percentage = 22.51%

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Independent politician

|candidate = James P. Raftery

|votes = 1,490

|percentage = 0.96%

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 154,643

|percentage = 100.00%

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box open primary begin no change|title = 1971 New Jersey Senate 14th district election{{sfn|1971 primary|1971|p=13}}{{sfn|1971 election|1971|p=12}}

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Joseph Hirkala

|votes = 7,454

|percentage = 33.78%

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = William J. Bate

|votes = 7,366

|percentage = 33.38%

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Joseph A. Lazzara

|votes = 7,249

|percentage = 32.85%

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 22,069

|percentage = 100.00%

}}

{{Election box open primary general election no change}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Joseph Hirkala

|votes = 64,725

|percentage = 21.16%

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Joseph A. Lazzara

|votes = 54,426

|percentage = 17.79%

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = William J. Bate

|votes = 54,149

|percentage = 17.70%

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Alfred Fontanella

|votes = 46,478

|percentage = 15.20%

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Thomas W.E. Bowdler

|votes = 39,545

|percentage = 12.93%

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Henry Fette

|votes = 39,406

|percentage = 12.88%

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Socialist Labor Party of America

|candidate = Robert Clement

|votes = 3,645

|percentage = 1.19%

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Socialist Labor Party of America

|candidate = Josephine Clement

|votes = 3,485

|percentage = 1.14%

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 305,859

|percentage = 100.00%

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box open primary begin no change|title = 1973 New Jersey Senate 34th district election{{sfn|1973 primary|1973|p=14}}{{sfn|1973 election|1973|p=10}}}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Joseph Hirkala (incumbent)

|votes = 5,605

|percentage = 100.00%

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 5,605

|percentage = 100.00%

}}

{{Election box open primary general election no change}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Joseph Hirkala (incumbent)

|votes = 33,047

|percentage = 63.88%

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Louise Friedman

|votes = 18,682

|percentage = 36.12%

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 51,729

|percentage = 100.00%

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box open primary begin no change|title = 1977 New Jersey Senate 34th district election{{sfn|1977 primary|1977|p=23}}{{sfn|1977 election|1977|p=11}}

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Joseph Hirkala (incumbent)

|votes = 12,412

|percentage = 100.00%

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 12,412

|percentage = 100.00%

}}

{{Election box open primary general election no change}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Joseph Hirkala (incumbent)

|votes = 28,628

|percentage = 69.63%

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Herman Schmidt

|votes = 12,484

|percentage = 30.37%

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 41,112

|percentage = 100.00%

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box open primary begin no change|title = 1981 New Jersey Senate 36th district election{{sfn|1981 primary|1981|p=17}}{{sfn|1981 election|1981|p=16}}

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Joseph Hirkala (incumbent)

|votes = 7,915

|percentage = 80.52%

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Michael Carlucci

|votes = 1,915

|percentage = 19.48%

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 9,830

|percentage = 100.00%

}}

{{Election box open primary general election no change}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Joseph Hirkala (incumbent)

|votes = 30,422

|percentage = 55.45%

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Philip Gervato

|votes = 23,049

|percentage = 42.01%

}}

{{Election box candidate no change

|party = Bergen Home Rule

|candidate = Edna Perrotta

|votes = 1,395

|percentage = 2.54%

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 54,866

|percentage = 100.00%

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box open primary begin no change|title = 1983 New Jersey Senate 36th district election{{sfn|1983 primary|1983|p=13}}{{sfn|1983 election|1983|p=20}}

}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Joseph Hirkala (incumbent)

|votes = 4,397

|percentage = 100.00%

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 4,397

|percentage = 100.00%

}}

{{Election box open primary general election no change}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change

|party = Democratic Party (United States)

|candidate = Joseph Hirkala (incumbent)

|votes = 28,325

|percentage = 58.35%

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Joseph Job

|votes = 20,222

|percentage = 41.65%

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 48,547

|percentage = 100.00%

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{reflist}}

• {{cite book|last1=Bershad |first1=Lawrence |last2=Ensor |first2=Richard |title=Ticket Scalping Legislation - A New Jersey Case Study |publisher=Seton Hall Legislative Journal |date=1985 |url=https://scholarship.shu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1380&context=shlj}}
• {{cite book|title=Results of the Primary Election Held September 12, 1967 |publisher=Secretary of State of New Jersey |date=1967 |url=https://www.nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/election-results/1920-1970//1967-primary-election.pdf |ref={{harvid|1967 primary|1967}}}}
• {{cite book|title=Results of the General Election Held November 7, 1967 |publisher=Secretary of State of New Jersey |date=1967 |url=https://www.nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/election-results/1920-1970//1967-general-election.pdf |ref={{harvid|1967 election|1967}}}}
• {{cite book|title=Results of the Primary Election Held June 3, 1969 |publisher=Secretary of State of New Jersey |date=1969 |url=https://www.nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/election-results/1920-1970//1969-primary-election.pdf |ref={{harvid|1969 primary|1969}}}}
• {{cite book|title=Results of the General Election Held November 4, 1969 |publisher=Secretary of State of New Jersey |date=1969 |url=https://www.nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/election-results/1920-1970//1969-general-election.pdf |ref={{harvid|1969 election|1969}}}}
• {{cite book|title=Results of the Primary Election Held June 8, 1971 |publisher=Secretary of State of New Jersey |date=1971 |url=https://www.nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/election-results/1920-1970//1971-primary-election.pdf |ref={{harvid|1971 primary|1971}}}}
• {{cite book|title=Results of the General Election Held November 2, 1971 |publisher=Secretary of State of New Jersey |date=1971 |url=https://www.nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/election-results/1920-1970//1971-primary-election.pdf |ref={{harvid|1971 election|1971}}}}
• {{cite book|title=Results of the Primary Election Held June 5, 1973 |publisher=Secretary of State of New Jersey |date=1973 |url=https://www.nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/election-results/1920-1970//1973-primary-election.pdf |ref={{harvid|1973 primary|1973}}}}
• {{cite book|title=Results of the General Election Held November 6, 1973 |publisher=Secretary of State of New Jersey |date=1973 |url=https://www.nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/election-results/1920-1970//1973-general-election.pdf |ref={{harvid|1973 election|1973}}}}
• {{cite book|title=Results of the Primary Election Held June 7, 1977 |publisher=Secretary of State of New Jersey |date=1977 |url=https://www.nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/election-results/1920-1970//1977-primary-election.pdf |ref={{harvid|1977 primary|1977}}}}
• {{cite book|title=Results of the General Election Held November 8, 1977 |publisher=Secretary of State of New Jersey |date=1977 |url=https://www.nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/election-results/1920-1970//1977-general-election.pdf |ref={{harvid|1977 election|1977}}}}
• {{cite book|title=Candidates For The Offices Of State Senate And General Assembly |publisher=Secretary of State of New Jersey |date=1981 |url=https://www.nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/election-results/1981/1981-primary-results-st-senate-gen-assembly.pdf |ref={{harvid|1981 primary|1981}}}}
• {{cite book|title=Candidates For The Offices Of State Senate And General Assembly |publisher=Secretary of State of New Jersey |date=1981 |url=https://www.nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/election-results/1981/1981-general-results-st-senate-gen-assembly.pdf |ref={{harvid|1981 election|1981}}}}
• {{cite book|title=Official Results Candidates For The Offices Of State Senate And General Assembly Primary Election - June 7, 1983 |publisher=Secretary of State of New Jersey |date=1983 |url=https://www.nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/election-results/1983/1983-primary-results-st-senate-gen-assembly.pdf |ref={{harvid|1983 primary|1983}}}}
• {{cite book|title=Candidates For The Offices Of State Senate And General Assembly |publisher=Secretary of State of New Jersey |date=1983 |url=https://www.nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/election-results/1983/1983-general-results-senate-gen-assembly.pdf |ref={{harvid|1983 election|1983}}}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Hirkala, Joseph}}

Category:1923 births

Category:1987 deaths

Category:Democratic Party New Jersey state senators

Category:United States Navy personnel of World War II

Category:Democratic Party members of the New Jersey General Assembly

Category:Passaic High School alumni

Category:Politicians from Passaic, New Jersey

Category:20th-century members of the New Jersey Legislature