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Joseph Birchwale Obituary
Joseph Albert, age 14 of Fairview, lost his valiant battle with cancer on April 28, 2012.
Although only 14 years he was truly an inspiration to everyone he met. He had a love of life that was unsurpassed, and he never gave up the fight. He faced his illness with a positive outlook, bravery and a sense of humor.
Joseph was an Eighth Grader at Notre Dame Interparochial Academy in Palisades Park where he looked forward to his Graduation in June and attending St. Peter's Prep in September. Joseph loved to participate in sports, especially basketball, baseball and tennis. He was passionate about college and pro football and loved watching USC Trojans and NY Jets.
He loved vacationing with his family, especially cruises and spending time with his friends. He loved playing chess, reading, playing the guitar, and investing in the stock market.
Joe will be sorely missed by his devoted parents Diane Testa Birchwale and Albert Birchwale and his loving sister, Jennifer and dog Izzy. He leaves behind his grandparents Joseph and Therese Testa and many loving aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by his grandparents Albert and Veronica Birchwale.
The family will receive their friends on Tuesday 3-5 and 7-9 PM at the Frank A. Patti and Kenneth Mikatarian Funeral Home 327 Main Street "opposite the Fort Lee Library." The funeral will leave Wednesday at 9:30 AM for a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered to celebrate Joseph's life on Wednesday at St. Michael's Church, Palisades Park at 10 AM. Entombment to follow at Fairview Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Joseph's name to Notre Dame Interparochial Academy, 312 First Street, Palisades Park, NJ 07650. For condolences, directions, or information www.frankpatti.com or call (201) 944-0100.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Birchwale
Saul Abrams
May 8, 2012
My heart is with you and your family; my sincerest condolences to you
May 7, 2012
Dear Diane and Albert
Mary Lou Rodriguez and Patti Jameson from Children's Learning Center send our deepest sympathy to you both and the family. We just found out today about Joseph and are truly sorry for your loss. Prayers for all of you.
May 6, 2012
We are very sorry for your loss. Your family is in our prayers. Daniel Turek @ Family (Kenny's Boy's)
Gary Jones
May 5, 2012
I'm very sorry for your loss, my prayers are with you in this difficult time, God Bless.
Sheila, Taylor, Evan (St. Peter's Prep '13) Cain
May 4, 2012
We are so deeply sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Heath Family (AHA)
May 4, 2012
May God give you strength during this difficult time. Know that you are in our thoughts & prayers & that Joseph is resting in peace!
With our deepest sympathy,
Dan & Rachel Samoles & Family
May 3, 2012
Our prayers are with you all. Joseph will always be in our hearts and thoughts. How deeply we wish for God's blessings for all of you to find comfort and peace.
The Chiurazzi Family
May 2, 2012
We are deeply sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this sad time.
May 2, 2012
our prayers are with you at this most difficult time. sincerely
mr/mrs. frank battaglia
May 2, 2012
We are profoundly sorry for the loss of your beloved Joseph. May God comfort you forever. Love Rich Brovarone and Lisa Phillips
May 2, 2012
You are in our thoughts and prayers...
The Meuse Family
St Peter's Prep
Trish Fitzpatrick
May 2, 2012
God bless Joseph and his family. You'll always be part of the class of 2016 at Prep.
Stephanie Vitolano
May 2, 2012
Mr and Mrs. Birchwale--
I am so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. He was truly an incredible young man and an inspiration to all. I am honored and blessed to have cared for him over the years. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you and may your faith sustain you in these worst of times. Warmly and with love, Stephanie Vitolano (PNP with Peds Sarcoma team at MSKCC)
Keith and Beth Johnson
May 2, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Birchwale family. Joseph sounded like a wonderful young man.
Johnson Family
"Prep for life"
Anne Marie and Dean Colucci
May 2, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Colucci Family
St. Peters Prep
May 2, 2012
We are very sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Frankie and Cindy Guarini
(Your Prep Family)
josephine D'Andrea
May 2, 2012
Joey, your were so loved by your family and friends. May you rest with the Heavenly Father. May Jesus, our Shepherd rain comfort and compassion on your family.
Jo Ann, David & Davey Breitweiser
May 1, 2012
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Heather Licsauer
May 1, 2012
You will be deeply missed, Joseph. You touched the lives of so many people. Your smile and high spirits were always refreshing. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Birchwale family; I am so sorry for your loss.
May 1, 2012
We are all very sorry for your loss. Please accept our warmest condolences. Our prayers are with you and your family. God Bless.
Love, Cal,JoAnne and Jennifer Navatto
(your AHA family)
Dolores D'Andrea
May 1, 2012
May dear, sweet, Joey rest in the embrace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Joey's faith never wavered. That faith will inspire me when I encounter difficulties in my path. May God comfort Joey's family. May they find solace.
Diane Montemurro
May 1, 2012
Dear Diane & Family,
I am so sorry for all of you. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
Mike and Kate Hopper
May 1, 2012
Our hearts are broken for you, and our prayers are with you. God bless you as you mourn the loss of your sweet boy.
Dennis Barlow
May 1, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. Joe was not only an inspiration, but he was also a joy to know in and outside the classroom. He reminds me how precious life is, but also how to live it to the fullest. I will miss but always remember his strength of spirit.
Susan Piersa
May 1, 2012
Dear Jen and Birchwale family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Know that the BU Catholic Community will be praying for you and your family during this time of sorrow.
Sherri Solomon Pearson
May 1, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in your time of sorrow.
April 30, 2012
Dear Albie & Diane, I am so sorry for the loss of your son. He must have been very brave and strong and put up a good fight. Rest knowing he is at home. My continued prayers for you at this hard time.
In Christ Love, Judy Pennell Van Hof
April 30, 2012
Dear Birchwale and Testa families, Even though I never met him, my sister always told me what a terrific boy Joey was. Please take comfort knowing that he is no longer in pain and is happy in God's arms.
With deepest sympathy,
Mary Bongiovanni
The Orbe Family
April 30, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Please accept our sincerest condolences.
Mark, Sandra, "Harold" and Matthew Wrightington
April 30, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, please accept our deepest sympathies.
Sandra and I had the pleasure of meeting Joseph at the "Walk For Wishes" in 2010. He was a wonderful young man with a fantastic outlook on life.
April 30, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Joseph was an amazing young boy!!!
The Scardigno Family - Palisades Park, NJ
Tom & Donna Piccinich
April 30, 2012
Our thoughts & prayers to your family at this sad time. We will always remember the good times with Joey on the Fairview Little League baseball field with Al. God's blessings you to all for strength & comfort.
Garrido Family
April 30, 2012
Our deepest sympathy to the family and hope you know how deeply we wish for God's blessings for you to find comfort and peace.
The Sotomayor Family
April 30, 2012
We are deaply sorry for your loss. Joe was always a beautiful boy. Our prayers and love are with you.
Christine Guido
April 30, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Joey was a wonderful young man and a good friend to Vincenzo.
Cathy and Nick Sassano
April 30, 2012
Joseph will always be remembered as a special angel that that touched and inspired so many people. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, please accept our deepest sympathies.
April 30, 2012
We are deeply sorry for your loss. Love The Campen Family
Julia Aveta
April 30, 2012
So sorry,May God Bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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