Joseph H. Borrelli Jr.

1941 - 2018

Joseph H. Borrelli, Jr.

Lavallette, NJ - Joseph H. Borrelli, Jr., 77, of Lavallette, NJ died peacefully at home on Thursday November 8, 2018 after a ten year battle with cancer surrounded by his family and friends. Joe was born in Pt. Pleasant, NJ and was a life-long resident of Lavallette, NJ. He proudly served his country in the US Navy from 1960 to 1964. Joe enlisted as an aircraft-engine mechanic on various aircraft carriers, including the USS Randolph and USS Independence. Joe was a former member of the American Legion in Seaside Heights, NJ. After returning home from the Navy, Joe began a life-long career as a transmission mechanic. He was the owner of B&M Transmissions in Toms River, NJ for over fifty years. Through B&M, Joe made many devoted friends, too many to name, surely an unforgettable cast of characters. One of his favorite traditions was hosting his Saturday morning "meeting of the minds" with all of his best pals for coffee and OB-CO's Donuts. Some of Joe's most memorable times were spent in Lake Placid, NY or as he affectionately and simply referred to as "The Mountains." His favorite past time was cooking anything from chocolate chip cookies to Italian food, especially his famous bracciole. He was known for putting out a huge spread of food regardless of the occasion. He loved hunting, fishing, gardening and going out to eat. Joe was an avid dog lover; his dogs were just as important to him as his family and friends.

Joe is predeceased by his parents Joseph H. Borrelli Sr. and Emma (McCall) Borrelli; his first wife Dorothy Borrelli in 1984; and his sister Virginia Earley in 2012.

Surviving are his wife of 32 years Loretta Borrelli of Lavallette, NJ; his children Joseph H. Borrelli III of Simpsonville, SC and Dorothy "Dori" Borrelli of Lavallette, NJ; his step-children John W. McClellan of Nanticoke, PA and Tammy Lee Ranieri of Belmar, NJ; his nieces and nephews Michael F. Earley of Toms River, NJ, Joseph R. Earley of Swedesboro, NJ and Mary C. Wills of Toms River, NJ; his cousins Valentino Bernard Borrelli Jr. of Lavallette, NJ, Hank Walton of Kinderhook, IL, and Michael Dennis of Lakewood, NJ; and his grandchild Rosalia Sophia Borrelli. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Betty Roscoe of Millville, NJ, who worked for hospice and took care of him for many years. He affectionately referred to her as Nurse Ratched.

Family will receive friends on Sunday November 18, 2018 from 2:00pm to 6:00pm at the Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals 706 Grand Central Ave. Lavallette, NJ. A service will be held on Monday November 19, 2018 at 10:00am at the funeral home. Burial will follow to St. Joseph's Cemetery in Toms River, NJ. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Jersey Shore Animal Center or the VFW. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.ryanfuneralhome.com.