Representative Thomas James Tumulty

Thomas James Tumulty (March 2, 1913 – November 23, 1981) was an American lawyer, World War II veteran, and Democratic Party politician who represented New Jersey’s 14th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives for one term from 1955 to 1957. A member of the Democratic Party, he contributed to the legislative process during this single term in office, participating in the democratic process and representing the interests of his New Jersey constituents during a significant period in American history.

Tumulty was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, on March 2, 1913. All four of his grandparents were Irish immigrants, and he grew up in the heavily Irish-American, working- and middle-class environment of Jersey City. He attended Xavier High School, a Jesuit institution in New York City, and went on to study at the College of the Holy Cross. He later transferred and graduated from Fordham University in 1935. Continuing his education in New Jersey, he received a degree from Seton Hall University in 1938 and completed his legal studies at John Marshall Law School in Jersey City, also in 1938.

After completing his legal education, Tumulty was admitted to the bar in 1940 and commenced the practice of law in Jersey City. Alongside his early legal career, he was active in education. He served as a professor at Seton Hall in 1940 and 1941, reflecting his connection to Catholic higher education, and later taught at St. Aloysius High School in Jersey City in 1949 and 1950. These roles in both higher and secondary education complemented his growing involvement in public affairs and helped establish him as a well-known figure in his community.

During World War II, Tumulty served in the United States Army as an enlisted man in 1943 and 1944. Known for his large physical stature—he was famous for his roughly 300‑pound frame—he later joked about his military service by saying, “I went in as a private and came out as a platoon.” His wartime service added to his public profile and reinforced his credentials as a veteran at a time when military service was an important element of political life in the United States.

Tumulty’s political career in New Jersey began in earnest during the 1940s. He served in the New Jersey General Assembly from 1944 to 1952, where he rose to a leadership position as minority leader in 1951. At the same time, he held several key legal and municipal posts in Jersey City. He was assistant corporation counsel for Jersey City from 1943 to 1954, providing legal advice and representation to the city government. He was a delegate to the 1952 Democratic National Convention, reflecting his growing influence within the party, and served as secretary to the mayor of Jersey City in 1952 and 1953. These overlapping roles in state legislation, city administration, and party politics positioned him as a prominent Democratic figure in Hudson County and statewide.

Building on this record, Tumulty was elected as a Democrat to the Eighty-fourth Congress, representing New Jersey’s 14th congressional district. He served in the United States House of Representatives from January 3, 1955, to January 3, 1957. His term coincided with the early years of the Eisenhower administration and a period of postwar economic expansion and Cold War tensions. As a member of the House of Representatives, Thomas James Tumulty participated in the legislative process and represented the interests of his urban, industrial district in northern New Jersey. He was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection to the Eighty-fifth Congress in 1956, bringing his congressional service to a close after one term.

After leaving Congress, Tumulty remained active in public service and municipal affairs in Jersey City. In 1957 he served as special counsel for Urban Renewal for Jersey City, advising on legal and policy matters related to redevelopment and modernization efforts in the city. He then served as deputy mayor of Jersey City from 1958 to 1960, continuing his long association with the city’s government. Alongside these roles, he resumed the practice of law, maintaining his professional identity as an attorney even as he moved in and out of public office.

Tumulty later entered the judiciary, culminating his public career with service on the bench. He was appointed a judge of the Superior Court of New Jersey, serving from 1967 to 1972. In this capacity he participated in the administration of justice at the state level, drawing on decades of experience as a lawyer, legislator, and municipal official. After his judicial service, he continued to reside in Jersey City, the community that had shaped his life and career.

Thomas James Tumulty remained a resident of Jersey City until his death there on November 23, 1981. He was interred at Holy Name Cemetery in Jersey City. His life encompassed service as a World War II enlisted man, educator, state legislator, municipal official, member of Congress, and state court judge, reflecting a long and varied career in law and public service rooted in his native city and state.