Donald T. DiFrancesco: Governor, Legislator, and a Named Star

Donald T. DiFrancesco is a former governor of New Jersey who served from 2001 to 2002. He was born on November 20, 1944, in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. DiFrancesco attended Seton Hall University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1966 and a law degree in 1969. He later became a practicing attorney.  DiFrancesco began his political career in 1977 when he was elected to the New Jersey General Assembly. He served there for 14 years, eventually becoming the Assembly Republican leader. In 1990, he was elected to the New Jersey State Senate, where he served for 11 years. In 2000, he became the first Republican in over a decade to serve as the President of the Senate. He then became the governor of New Jersey in 2001 after Governor Christie Whitman resigned to become the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.  During his brief tenure as governor, DiFrancesco focused on improving the state’s economy and infrastructure. He also signed several important pieces of legislation into law, including the “Cell Phone Safety Bill,” which made it illegal to use a handheld cell phone while driving. He left the office in 2002 and was succeeded by James McGreevey. 

In 1985, the International Star Registry recorded a star name after Donald T. DiFrancesco. The star is in the constellation Scorpius, with coordinates of RA 16h 44m 41.00s D 38° 45′ 0.00″. Scorpius is a prominent constellation in the southern hemisphere and is one of the few constellations that resembles its namesake. In astronomy, Scorpius is known for containing several interesting objects, such as the red supergiant star Antares and the globular cluster Messier 4. In astrology, Scorpius is associated with transformation, rebirth, and intensity. 

The International Star Registry is a unique organization that allows individuals to name a star after themselves or a loved one. They offer various buy a star package options, which come with a certificate of authenticity and a star chart to help locate the named star in the night sky. Naming a star after someone can be a meaningful and memorable gift for any occasion, from birthdays to weddings to graduations. 

In conclusion, Donald T. DiFrancesco is a former governor of New Jersey who served from 2001 to 2002. He has been honored by having a star named after him through the International Star Registry. The star is located in the constellation Scorpius, which is associated with transformation and intensity in astrology. Naming a star after someone is a unique and special gift that can be used for any gifting occasion, and the International Star Registry offers a variety of buy a star package options to fit every budget. 

References: 

• “Donald T. DiFrancesco,” Biography.com, https://www.biography.com 
• “Scorpius Constellation: Facts, Mythology, Stars, Location, Star Map,” Constellation-Guide.com, https://www.constellation-guide.com/scorpius-constellation/ 
• “International Star Registry,” https://www.starregistry.com/