PatrickDiegnan's photostream

I was born in South Plainfield, New Jersey as the last of seven children. Both my parents emigrated from Ireland in the late 1920's. They experienced the depression first hand. As a result, all of the Diegnan children were taught the value of hard work and the importance of family and faith. Graduated from South Plainfield High School in 1966 and was later honored by induction into its Hall of Fame in 2002. Worked my way through Seton Hall University and Seton Hall Law School. Upon graduation from law school opened a private law firm in home town and became a member of the faculty at Middlesex County College where I taught Business Law and Accounting until 1983. Availability of higher education to all members of society, regardless of economic status, has always been a top priority to me. I was honored when Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts named me as the first Chairman of the newly created Higher Education Committee in 2008. Current chair of Assembly Education Committee. Greatest joy in life is my family. Anita and I have been married for 34 years: two children Heather Paragano, who is married to Frank Paragano, and Tara Diegnan. On February 9th Heather and Frank graced the family with a beautiful baby girl named Vanessa.