Peter Wallace Rodino Jr. (1909-2005) was a prominent American politician and lawyer who served as a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives for 40 years, from 1949 to 1989, representing New Jersey's 11th congressional district, which encompassed parts of Newark and surrounding areas in Essex and Hudson counties. Born to Italian immigrant parents in Newark, New Jersey, Rodino grew up in a working-class family and was shaped by the city's diverse immigrant communities. He pursued higher education at the University of Newark (now part of Rutgers University), earning a bachelor's degree in 1934, followed by a law degree from Harvard Law School in 1937. After practicing law and serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, where he rose to the rank of major, Rodino entered politics as a local prosecutor and was first elected to Congress in 1948, becoming a steadfast advocate for civil rights, labor rights, and immigrant issues as a liberal Democrat.

Rodino's most notable contributions came during his tenure as Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee from 1973 to 1989, the longest-serving chair in its history. He played a pivotal role in landmark civil rights legislation, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, pushing for protections against discrimination. His leadership was instrumental in the Watergate scandal investigations, where he chaired the impeachment proceedings against President Richard Nixon in 1974, earning widespread respect for his fairness and integrity despite political pressures. Rodino also championed immigration reform, authoring the Immigration Act of 1990, and was a key figure in establishing the federal holiday for Martin Luther King Jr. Throughout his career, he was known for his bipartisan approach and commitment to constitutional principles, representing New Jersey's urban and industrial interests.

After retiring from Congress in 1989, Rodino remained active in public service, teaching at Seton Hall University School of Law and receiving numerous honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1999 from President Bill Clinton. He passed away on May 7, 2005, in West Orange, New Jersey, at the age of 95, leaving a legacy as one of the most influential legislators in modern American history, particularly in advancing civil liberties and democratic accountability.