Mayor's Biography
Term Expires - 12/31/09
Upon retiring as Chief Executive Officer of DiGirolamo Farms, Joseph DiGirolamo wanted to give back to the community he loves. He is an extraordinary, successful businessman, who had a vision for improving the quality of life for the people of Bensalem.
His vision has become a reality for the 60,000 people who call Bensalem home. Since being elected Mayor in 1994, the Bensalem community has and continues to experience a renaissance. Vast infrastructure improvements, reduced real estate taxes, new state of the art parks, open space initiatives, transportation system upgrades, just to name a few. His motto of service, service, service, was not just a catchy campaign slogan, it is what his Administration is all about.
Extended Biography
Personal Data
- 69 years old, married to Mary for 50 years, grandfather of 6 children.
- He is currently serving his 4th term as Mayor and his term expires on December 31, 2009
Education
- St. Charles Borromeo Elementary School
- Northeast Catholic High School
Accomplishments
- Elected Mayor of Bensalem 4 times.
- JNF (Jewish National Fund) Prestigious 2006 "Tree of Life" Award
- Retired farmer and Former Chief Executive Officer of DiGirolamo Farms, a multifaceted agribusiness and market center, which employed more than 70 people. Retired in 1990.
- Chairman of the Bensalem Tricentennial Committee
- Responsible for the organization, oversight and coordination of a vast network of programs celebrating the 300th Anniversary of the founding of our community. The events and celebrations of the Tricentennial were considered to be among the most successful and satisfying programs ever presented by any organization in Bucks County.
- Former Member, Bucks County Board of Assessment Appeals
- Responsible to review and rule on citizen appeals on unfair and inappropriate property tax assessments. Mr. DiGirolamo’s efforts insured fairness and efficiency in the tax system and often resulted in a substantial tax reduction to the citizen.
- Former Member, The Bucks County Land Preservation Board
- In this role, Mr. DiGirolamo was an aggressive, innovative and effective voice in the movement to preserve our County’s heritage of open space and natural beauty.
- Former Member, Bensalem Township Water and Sewer Authority
- Responsible to oversee, regulate, maintain and supply clean, healthy drinking water, as well as environmentally sound methods of waste treatment in an era marked by the Township’s explosive growth and the expansion of Government interest and regulation.
- Former Chairman, Bensalem Economic Development Corporation
- Facilitated the development of new and existing community enterprises targeted to bring employment opportunities to our area.
- Former Member, “Blue Ribbon Panel”
- Members of the Blue Ribbon Panel selected the Bensalem Director of Public Safety, Frank Friel.
- Sponsoring Member, “Arm-a-Cop” Committee
- Established to modernize and update Township Police equipment for the “War on Drugs”.
- Sponsoring, “Kids at Work” Program in affiliation with Bensalem High School employing youths in summer or part time positions.
- Major Sponsor, and long time participant in Annual Holiday Food Drives, providing food to needy families.
- Former Member, Lower Bucks Hospital Board
- Served on the Board of Directors
- Founder of the Joseph DiGirolamo Scholarship Foundation
- Founding Member and President of the Bucks County Transportation Management Assocation
- Chairman of the Delaware RIver Study for Bucks County
- Founding Member and Chairman of the T.A.G.(Towns Against Graffiti) and litter program
- Member of the Pennsylvania Convention Center and Chairman of the Tourist and Hospitality Committee
- Board Member of the BCATO, Bucks County Association of Township Officials
Interests and Leisure Activities
- Family oriented activities
- Antique and memorabilia collector
- Experimental farming; hybrid plants and flowers
- Sports cars
- Driving
Memberships and Professional Organizations
- Member, Bensalem Historical Society
- Member, Bucks County Children’s Cultural Center
- Member, Bucks County Community College, Foundation Board
- Active Member of St. Ephrem’s Parish
- Bensalem Lions Club
- Bensalem Chamber of Commerce
- Chairman of the Bucks County Drought Emergency Task Force
- Bensalem Kiwanis Club
Bensalem Chamber of Commerce
- Bucks County Farmers Association
- Pennsylvania Farmers Association
- Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association
- Knights of Columbus
- Sons of Italy
- Rotary Club of Bensalem
- Gibson Road Antique Fire truck Association
- Rocky Mountain Elks Foundation
- Bucks County International Trade Council
- Bensalem School District Strategic Planning Team
- Bucks County Drought Emergency Task Force
- Eastern State Task Force
Political Activities
- Member, Pennsylvania State Republican Finance Committee
- Member of the Bensalem Republican Executive Committee
- Member, of the “Chairman’s Club” – Bucks County Republican Party
- Former Campaign Finance Chairman, Robert “Tommy” Tomlinson former
- State Representative, now State Senator
- Former Campaign Finance Chairman, District Justice Len Brown
- Former Campaign Finance Chairman, Mayor Ed Burns
- Member of the Pennsylvania Republican State Committee
- For more than 25 years, Joseph DiGirolamo has been a prime sponsor and motivator, as well as a major contributor and fundraiser for virtually every Township and County Republican activity