Retiring To At-Home Parenthood And A New Business Possibility

North Jersey Media Group:

One of Bergen County’s most combative assistant prosecutors is ending her 25-year career this month to do something a bit less adversarial: full-time motherhood.

“I think a lot of defense attorneys will be happy that I am retiring,” said Patricia Baglivi, known among her North Jersey peers as a formidable legal warrior.

In truth, some of the 49-year-old prosecutor’s loudest cheerleaders also happen to be some of her bitterest courtroom opponents.

Born in New York City and raised in Old Tappan, Baglivi and her two sisters were encouraged by their vocal, politically active parents to express their ideas. And they did.

Her older sister, who eventually became a speech therapist, was voted “Class Chatterbox” when she graduated from high school. Baglivi kept it in the family by claiming the title the following year.

“We are all a bunch of big talkers,” she explained.

Asked what she wants to do now, she said, “Nothing. I just want to stay home with my daughter for a while.”

In addition to spending time with 3-year-old Mia Rose, Baglivi plans to start “Patty Cakes and Cookies,” a home-based baking business. She is known around the courthouse as an excellent baker who often brings in elaborately decorated cakes she makes herself.

Assistant Bergen County Prosecutor James Santulli calls her “the Martha Stewart of the Prosecutor’s Office.”