Search by Name

Search by Name

JOSEPH BORRELLI Obituary

BORRELLI, JOSEPH LUIGI It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear Joe, on March 31, 2021, after a brief illness. Loving husband of Patricia, devoted father to Michael (Megan), Laura (Evan) and Patrick (Lauren), doting grandfather, "Toti", to Jack, Felix, Louise and Nora, adoring brother to Antoinette (Joe), brother-in-law to Elizabeth (Paul), Peter (Kelly), Paul (Jacqueline), and beloved uncle to Clara, Terry, Grace, Noah, Sydney, Pierce, Emily, Olivia and Audrey. Born in the Abruzzo region of Italy to Chiara and Camillo Borrelli, Joe came to Canada with his family at the age of two and settled in Montreal. After meeting Patricia at Concordia University, they wed in 1975, and the rest is history. After retiring in 2007 from the Ford Motor Company of Canada, Joe settled into the relaxed life we all aspire to. He immediately began travelling the globe with his one and only love. They shared many trips together and were always enthusiastically planning the next one. As an avid volunteer with the Compassion Society of Halton, Joe brought his boundless humour, infectious smile, and cheerful disposition with him. He will be greatly missed by his "volunteer family". As a man of deep faith, his years as an usher at St. Patrick's Parish in Burlington will remain blessed, forever guiding him to an afterlife in Heaven, settled amongst angels. Joe's sheer zest for life radiated to everyone he met. His amazing spirit was dazzling and no matter what, he made you feel welcomed, loved, and supported. By the abundance of adoring friends and family in his life, many will feel his absence, but all will cherish the fondest of memories. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Compassion Society of Halton or to the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a family Funeral Mass will be held, and a Celebration of Life will take place once it is safe to do so.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Toronto Star on Apr. 10, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for JOSEPH BORRELLI

Not sure what to say?





30 Entries

Kathy and Richard Rawls

April 18, 2021

Thank you Joe! Your friendship meant a lot to us. We will treasure the memories of our travels together with you and Pat. You possess the very best qualities a person can have. We will truly miss you!
My dear friend, Pat, you are on our hearts, in our thoughts, and prayers. Our condolences to you and your family.

Jeanne & Bob Latella

April 18, 2021

We enjoyed Joe’s company from the first time we met him - he was so easy to talk to and fun to be with. Joe was always very kind and welcoming to us over the years. He will be dearly missed.
Our deepest sympathy to Pat and family.
Fondly,
Jeanne & Bob Latella

Alena Saunders

April 18, 2021

I spent a lot of time at the Borrelli house during my highschool years. Joe was always there with a smile and a dad joke and the constant offer of cappuccino or a glass of wine (when we got older). He was very generous in providing his kids with multiple different Ford vehicles throughout the years which we used on lots of adventures! He bore a striking resemblance to Eugene Levy and I will always remember him when I see Eugene on the screen. I will miss him lots xo

Blaire Houde

April 17, 2021

Mr. Borrelli, what we would call him when we were younger, was a grounding figure in my and my friends lives growing up. “Hi girls” he would say (I can still hear his voice) as we would come barging into the Borrelli’s front door. He always had a smile on his face and a welcoming presence. We always felt welcome in their home. I remember fondly his afternoon espressos - he seemed to genuinely love being and connecting with people. Pat and Joe’s love story has always been an inspiration to my friend’s and I. Soulmates, for sure, but you could tell they worked hard to have the relationship they had, the respect and care they had for one another was so obvious. They used to take mental health days together, that has stuck with me all of these years and it is something my husband and I do together in order to keep our connection, and mental health in tact. What a legacy Joe leaves, what a beautiful life he created. Thank you for always being there for us. Sending lots of love xoxox Blaire

Theresa and Paul Stock

April 16, 2021

Joe, we only shared a few holiday visits together - but you made me feel like part of your family. You lived your life wholeheartedly, and you celebrated easily with the people you loved. Our love to Pat, your children and grandchildren and all the siblings, nieces and nephews who got to know, love, and be loved by Joe.
Sincerely, Theresa & Paul Stock and family

Laurie Martin

April 15, 2021

Joe was the first person to show me the volunteer ropes at the Compassion Society and I loved his humour and warmth. A sweet, kind man. I am so sorry to the family for this tremendous loss.

Sara Clausnitzer

April 13, 2021

My earliest memory of Joe was going on a family picnic with the Borrelli family back in high school. Once we had all finished eating, he made sure to offer me each dish one last time to see if there was anything else I could possibly need. That was Joe; Making everyone feel comfortable, accepted, loved (and fed) as soon as they were in his presence. Thank you for always treating me like family and raising 3 incredible kids that I am so grateful to call my friends (and family). I miss talking about camera gear with you and getting your weekly emails of "incredible photos taken at just the right time." Sara, Kurt & Liam

Mike

April 12, 2021

I thought a lot more about dad's dad'ing since I became a dad, and now at the end I realized how important his sheer presence was, all along.

In recent years Joey Shabadoo became my go-to sounding board, the guy who would listen to me moan & still give me an encouragement to go do *something*, anything, to make things better.

I could write a lot about dad, but two things pause my heart a beat: a) thinking of some minutiae that needs tending & the crushing feeling of knowing I can't follow through on the instinct to just Ask Dad, He'll Know; and b) staring at this picture, knowing I'll never get back those lazy Sundays by the pool, steaks on the Q, just spending time with someone you love & want to be like.

G'night dad, I wish we had a few more Sundays with the whole gang, but I'm thankful for every time you were there: ready, willing & with a smile.

Mike

April 12, 2021

I thought a lot more about dad's dad'ing since I became a dad, and now at the end I realized how important it was all along.

In recent years Joey Shabadoo became my go-to sounding board, the guy who would listen to me moan & still give me an encouragement to go do *something*, anything, to make things better.

I could write a lot about dad, but two things that paused my heart a beat were a) thinking of some minutiae that needed tending & the crushing feeling of knowing I can't follow through on the instinct to just Ask Dad, He'll Know; and b) staring at this picture, knowing I'll never get back those lazy Sundays by the pool, steaks on the Q, just spending time with someone you love & want to be like.

G'night dad, I wish we had a few more Sundays with the whole gang, but I'm thankful for every time you were there: ready, willing & with a smile.

Mike

April 12, 2021

I thought a lot more about dad's dad'ing since I became a dad, and now at the end I realized how important it was all along.

In recent years Joey Shabadoo became my go-to sounding board, the guy who would listen to me moan & still give me an encouragement to go do *something*, anything, to make things better.

I could write a lot about dad, but the two things that paused my heart a beat were a) thinking of some minutiae that needed tending & the crushing feeling of knowing I can't follow through on the instinct to just Ask Dad, He'll Know; and b) staring at this picture, knowing I'll never get back those lazy Sundays by the pool, steaks on the Q, just spending time with someone you love & want to be like.

G'night dad, what I wouldn't give for a few more Sundays with the whole gang.

Noah

April 12, 2021

I know very few people who can live simply and be happy. Joe was someone who embodied the feeling of a peaceful afternoon coffee spent with a crossword puzzle. I'll miss him greatly.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Condolences, Diane Dowsett

Planted Trees

Susan Confente

April 12, 2021

Joe always had the best smile and a great story to tell! He was so generous and kind. He was an incredible man, husband, father and Toti and his life was an inspiration to those around him. I can't think of Pat, without thinking of Joe - their deep love so obvious to me! Joe will forever be in my thoughts and prayers and I promise to be there for Pat always! Love, Susan

Grace Roy Hess

April 12, 2021

It is hard to imagine a family gathering without Uncle Joe. Always ready to share a laugh or a drink, his compassion, quick wit and good nature was nothing short of infectious. He lead by example, putting others before himself, and was a true role model. He will forever be missed.

Love, Gracie

Jordana Uren and Family

April 11, 2021

I will be ever grateful to Joe for welcoming me with love, laughter and open arms into the family. His kindness was beyond measure and his generosity unmatched. To be in Joe’s presence was to feel loved. To Pat, Michael, Patrick and Laura, my deepest sympathies and gratitude to you all for sharing your wonderful husband and father with my family and myself. Love to all, Jo. xo

Lucy Mendola

April 11, 2021

Joe will forever live in our minds and hearts as a part of ‘HOME’. As our beloved neighbour, we cherish the comfort, joy and friendship he provided. His calming presence and ready smile will be sorely missed. Joe brought out the best in you. Rest In Peace Sweet Joe.

John and Lucy Mendola ❤

Paul Roy

April 11, 2021

There was recently a zoom call among a number of Saints. Here’s a transcript of the call:
Saint Michael: “Who’s this Joe Borrelli that I keep hearing about?”
Saint Anthony: “Interesting because I’ve been hearing alot about him too.”
Saint Christopher: “Here too, he must be a pretty big deal.”
Saint Francis: “Yeah!”
‘End of transcript’

Joe was a big deal in all of our lives.....we will miss him dearly but we are blessed with the memories of Joe and will cherish them.

Rest In Peace Joe.....We Love You

Paul, Jacqueline, Sydney, Pierce, and Tyler

Paul Hess

April 11, 2021

Joe was a wonderful subject for an artist—engaging, expressive, and full of character. I cherish those moments together that were compassionate, meaningful, full of laughter, and full of his lived experience. I will miss him dearly.

Elizabeth Roy

April 11, 2021

Joe was a fixture in our family . It is hard to imagine a family function without him. He was a generous, kind, decent person. Safe travels, dear Joe. You will be missed.

Patricia Borrelli

April 11, 2021

My dearest sweet prince,
Thank you for fifty amazing years, for three wonderful children and all our beautiful grandchildren.
Thank you for being my knight in shining armour, for being my best friend, my rock, for a life full of happiness, love and laughter. The day we met you changed my life forever. Our love deepened and flourished every day.
You took such pride in the family that we have raised. They are your legacy Joey, they are making the world a better place just as you did.
You would have been so very touched by the outpouring and love that has surrounded us by family and so many friends. You were so loved.
We still had so much to do together but you were needed somewhere else. A part of me has gone with you.
Rest In Peace my dearest soulmate, the love of my life.
Until we meet again.
All my love now and forever.
Patty

Gilbert Paquette

April 11, 2021

What a beautiful picture of Joe. Our memorable trips to Myrtle Beach will live on forever. I will so miss his humour, friendship, and joie de vivre. To Patricia and Family, please accept our sincere condolences.

Nick Frankovich

April 11, 2021

I would like to extend my deepest condolences to Pat and the entire Borrelli family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Susan Delorme

April 11, 2021

Joe was a warm, genuine man and I will be forever grateful that he was a part of my life. Rest In Peace, friend.
May God grant Pat and the Borrelli family peace and comfort.

Laurie and Claude Mailloux

April 10, 2021

Joe was a kind gentle intelligent co worker of mine at Ford for years. He was a model man, quick with a smile and laugh and always willing to stop and help in any way he could. My prayers and condolences to the family, such a good man will be missed

Loui and Mary Silvestri

April 10, 2021

Our sincerest condolences to Pat and the entire Borrelli family. Joe’s infectious smile and jokes will be missed by all who knew him. May the wonderful memories you have shared bring comfort during the difficult days ahead. Rest In Peace, Joe.

James Kozak

April 10, 2021

Nothing I say will minimize the pain of your loss so instead I will share some of the happy memories I have of Joe.
When I was younger and came over to the house to hang out with Patrick, Joe was always friendly, welcoming and opened up his home by inviting me to stay for dinner before my parents came to pick me up. I remember the family dinners as being warm and filled with lively discussions, he always made me feel welcome in his home. He was a good man and will be remembered. My deepest condolences to the entire Borrelli family.

Sue Gregoire

April 10, 2021

My heart goes out to Pat and the whole Borrelli family. I will miss seeing you Joe. You had a way of making everyone feel special. Rest In Peace.

Sue Gregoire

April 10, 2021

My sincere sympathy to the whole Borrelli family.

Karen Hill

April 10, 2021

I will miss your laughter and enthusiasm. Rest In Peace Joe. Thoughts and prayers are with Pat and your family.

France Carbonneau

April 10, 2021

We will all miss Joe at Compassion and look forward to seeing Pat and supporting her when she returns.
France

Showing 1 - 30 of 30 results

Memorial Events
for JOSEPH BORRELLI

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.