Early Life and Education

Peter Angelo Cavicchia was born on May 22, 1879, in Roccamandolfi, a Province of Campobasso, Italy. In 1888, at the age of nine, he immigrated to the United States with his parents, settling in Newark, New Jersey. This move would set the stage for a remarkable career in American politics and law.

Cavicchia's dedication to education was evident from an early age. He attended and graduated from New Jersey's public school system, demonstrating the potential of immigrant children in the American educational landscape. His pursuit of higher education led him to American International College, from which he graduated in 1906. Continuing his academic journey, Cavicchia earned his law degree from New York University School of Law in 1908.

Legal Career and Public Service

Admitted to the bar in 1909, Cavicchia began practicing law in Newark, quickly establishing himself in the legal community. His expertise extended beyond private practice; he served as director and counsel for several building and loan associations, showcasing his versatility in legal matters.

Cavicchia's commitment to public service became apparent when he was appointed supervisor of inheritance tax of Essex County in 1917. This role, which he would return to later in life, demonstrated his aptitude for handling complex financial and legal matters in the public sector.

Educational Leadership

From 1917 to 1931, Cavicchia served as a member of the Board of Education of the Newark Public Schools. His leadership skills were recognized when he was elected president of the board, a position he held from 1924 to 1926. This experience in educational administration would prove valuable in his later political career.

Cavicchia's dedication to education extended to higher learning as well. From 1925 to 1931, he served as a professor of law and trustee at Mercer Beasley School of Law in Newark, which later became part of Rutgers University. His role in shaping legal education in New Jersey was significant, contributing to the development of future lawyers and legal professionals.

Congressional Career & the FDIC

Cavicchia's political career reached its peak when he was elected as a Republican to the United States House of Representatives. He served three consecutive terms, representing New Jersey's 9th district from 1931 to 1933 and the 11th district from 1933 to 1937. During his tenure in Congress, Cavicchia was a voice for Essex County, including The Oranges and parts of Newark.

His time in Congress spanned the Seventy-second, Seventy-third, and Seventy-fourth Congresses, a period that coincided with the Great Depression and the early years of Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal. Although a Republican, Cavicchia navigated the changing political landscape of the 1930s, representing his constituents during a time of significant national challenges.

During the bank failures of the Great Depression, he helped conceive the FDIC. As an author of the FDIC Bill, he worked with the House Banking and currency committee, as well as with opposing members of Congress and Democrats to complete and pass the Banking Act of 1933, which President Roosevelt signed into law.

Later Career and Legacy

After an unsuccessful bid for reelection in 1936, Cavicchia returned to his legal practice in Newark. He also resumed his role as supervisor of inheritance tax for Essex County, serving in this capacity from 1937 to 1956. This return to public service demonstrated his ongoing commitment to his community and his expertise in tax law.

From 1946 to 1957, Cavicchia served as chairman of the Central Planning Board of Newark, contributing to the city's development and urban planning initiatives in the post-World War II era.

Peter Angelo Cavicchia passed away on September 11, 1967, in Belleville, New Jersey, at the age of 88. He was laid to rest in Fairmount Cemetery in Newark, leaving behind a legacy as one of the early Italian-American politicians to serve in the U.S. Congress and as a dedicated public servant to his adopted home state of New Jersey.