Joseph Thomas Bordonaro

Joseph Thomas Bordonaro passed away on June 28, 2018 after a long fight with Parkinson’s disease.

Joe was born September 23, 1944 the first child of Concetta and Salvatore Bordonaro. He met his best friend two years later when his brother John was born.

Joe married the love of his life, Sharon (nee Dunn) at the age of 23. In the more than 50 years that followed, they built a beautiful life and had two children, Thomas Joseph and Alisa Concetta. Their family grew with the addition of their son-in-law Jonathan Laudicina and two grandchildren, Ava and Griffin. He was fortunate to have sister-in-laws, Kathleen Picardo, Linda Bordonaro and Jackie Bordonaro, brother-in-law Richard Picardo as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

He earned a B.A. from Farleigh Dickinson University,  an M.A. from TCNJ (then Trenton State College) and a M.A.Ed. from William Paterson University. He served the Paterson community as a special education teacher for over 25 years.

A diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease at an early age changed Joe’s priorities.  Committed to living his life in the present, Joe put the beach retirement that he and Sharon dreamed of on the fast track and moved to Florida. The two enjoyed the beach, making new friends, restaurants, and witnessing the Marlins first World Series win at the stadium.

All the time, Joe fought with vengeance to stall the disease. He worked with the leading minds in Parkinson’s disease research first at NYU Langone Health Center and then at University of Miami Medical Center and underwent several experimental treatments.

At the end of his life, he was surrounded by his family and friends. They loved him. Loved him enough to keep visiting even when he had nothing left to give. When he could not walk or talk, they continued to come to visit. And for all of that he considered himself a pretty lucky guy.

Visitation at the Leonardis Memorial Home 210 Ridgedale Ave. Florham Park on Sunday from 1-5 pm

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the

National Parkinson’s Foundation.200 SE 1St., Suite 800, Miami FL 33131
Web: http://parkinson.org

Celebration of Life to be held at a later date. Check back for details.

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