Joseph Anthony Lefante (September 8, 1928 – February 26, 1997) was an American businessman and Democratic Party politician who represented New Jersey's 14th congressional district for one term from 1977 to 1978.

Early life and education

Born in Bayonne, Lefante graduated from Bayonne High School. He completed courses at the Real Estate Institute of New Jersey in 1957. He served in the New Jersey National Guard from 1947 to 1952.

Political career

He was a business owner and served as a member of the Bayonne city council from 1962 to 1970. He was also a member of the Bayonne Board of Education from 1964 to 1967. He was elected to the New Jersey General Assembly and served from 1969 to 1976. He served as a delegate to the New Jersey state Democratic convention, 1975. He served as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention, 1975.

Congress

Lefante was elected as a Democrat to the Ninety-fifth Congress, serving until his resignation on December 14, 1978.

After Congress

He was appointed Commissioner of Community Affairs by Governor Brendan Byrne, serving from 1978 to 1982. He was an unsuccessful candidate for nomination to the United States Senate in 1982.

Death

He died on February 26, 1997, in Manhattan, New York City. He was interred in Rose Hill Cemetery, Linden, New Jersey.