Former Lawrence Mayor, County Freeholder Pat Colavita Dies At 77

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ — Pasquale “Pat” Colavita, Jr., former mayor of Lawrence Township died Tuesday. He was 77. Colavita also served as Mercer County Freeholder for six terms.

“Pat Colavita was a great friend to so many and one of the hardest working public servants I’ve had the honor to know and to serve with,” Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes said in a statement.

“Pat was admired among his colleagues and will not only be remembered for his thoughtful leadership and commitment to strengthening our community, but for his wit and grace.”

A lifelong Lawrenceville resident, Colavita first ran for public office in 1984 when he was elected to the Lawrence Board of Education. He then went on to become the mayor of the township. He was then elected to the Mercer County Board of Commissioners in 2004 and served six terms until his retirement in 2020.

Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) said she was "deeply saddened" to learn of Colavita’s passing. "He personified public service and represented the best of New Jersey. I treasured our friendship. My heart goes out to the Colavita family during this difficult time. They will be in my prayers,” Watson Coleman said.

Earlier this year, Colavita received a lifetime achievement award from CONTACT of Mercer County, a non-profit organization helping people in crisis.

A lifelong champion of children, Colavita spent almost four decades as a speech-language pathologist for the Hamilton Township Board of Education, according to his obituary. He received numerous awards during his career as a teacher, including Hamilton Township Teacher of the Year and Mercer County Teacher of the Year.

“An educator at heart, Pat uplifted all people, especially our children, and I am certain that the honor he most cherished was the affection and respect he earned along the way,” Hughes said.

Colavita also volunteered at various local organizations and served on several boards, including the Greater Trenton YMCA and New Jersey Junior Achievement.

He received his Bachelor's degree from St. John’s University in New York and earned an MA in Education from The College of New Jersey in Ewing.

The visitation for Colavita will be held on Sunday, Sept. 25 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Poulson & Van Hise Funeral Directors, 650 Lawrence Road, Lawrenceville.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Sept. 26 at 10:30 a.m. at The Church of St. Ann, 1253 Lawrence Road, Lawrenceville.

Interment will be held at St. Mary’s Mausoleum, Trenton.

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