Hofstra Athletics Hall of Fame
JOSEPH M. MARGIOTTA
Joseph M. Margiotta, a 1950 graduate, played an important role in the history and growth of Hofstra University for more than six decades. His dedication to Hofstra and, in particular, to its Athletic programs, was steadfast and tireless.
Leaving high school in his senior year, Joe enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II and was stationed in the Pacific Theater. When his service to his country had ended, he entered Hofstra College in 1946. During his years at Hofstra, Joe's contributions to campus life and the student body were numerous. Joe was active in many student organizations at Hofstra. He was president of the Gold Key, a class officer, a member of the Pre-Law Society, a member of Crown and Lance Fraternity and, of course, a three-year member of the Flying Dutchmen Football team.
After graduating from Hofstra, Joe continued his education at Brooklyn Law School, was admitted to the Bar and joined his father’s law firm. As his career progressed, he became Republican Party leader of the Town of Hempstead in 1967 and the GOP’s county chairman in 1968. He was elected to the New York State Assembly for six terms, from 1966 through 1977. Throughout his life, Joe’s commitment and contributions to the Hofstra community continued to grow. He was instrumental in obtaining state approval for the establishment of the Hofstra Law School and for the construction of the Hofstra Unispan.
As an active alumnus, Joe served as president of the Hofstra Alumni Association from 1956 through 1957. He served as a member of the University’s board of trustees from 1963 to 1965. Twice honored by the University for his dedicated service to Hofstra, Joe was awarded the distinguished George M. Estabrook Award in 1967 and was named Hofstra “Alumnus of the Year” in 1966. In June 1992 Hofstra named and dedicated the Joseph M. Margiotta Field House in recognition of his lifelong support of his alma mater. In 2001 Joe received a Doctor of Humane Letters from the University.
Joe was a founding member of the Fifty for Hofstra Club, Hofstra’s first volunteer/alumni organization created in support of Hofstra Athletics. In 1989 he was a founding member of the Hofstra Pride Club, the successor organization to the Fifty for Hofstra Club and served as president of the Pride Club for nearly 20 years.
Joe was the senior partner in the law firm of Margiotta and Ricigliano with offices in Garden City, New York, until his passing in November 2008.
