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Joseph Emanuel Bordonaro Sr.
1931 - 2014
Joseph Emanuel Bordonaro Sr.
1931 - 2014
Obituary
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Joseph Bordonaro Obituary
Joseph Emanuel Bordonaro Sr., 83, of Portland, beloved husband of Marie (Lastrina) Bordonaro, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 22, 2014 at Middlesex Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. Joe was born on May 15th, 1931 in Middletown, CT to the late Emanuel and Gaetana Bordonaro. Besides his loving wife of almost 60 years, he leaves behind two sons, Joseph Emanuel Bordonaro, Jr. and wife Jennifer and David Michael Bordonaro and wife Linda, both of Portland. Joe leaves behind seven grandchildren who idolized their Poppy; Alicia Marie Bordonaro, Joseph Emanuel Bordonaro III and girlfriend Katie Terlalis, Melissa Ann Bordonaro, Michael Joseph Bordonaro, Jay Jim Bordonaro, Tyler Frank Bordonaro and Anna Grace Bordonaro. Joe also leaves behind his brother Michael Bordonaro of Middletown and sister-in-law Kate Zampini, of Glastonbury as well as many special nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his brothers Salvatore and Albert Bordonaro, sisters Mary Annino and Anna Corvo, brothers-in-law John Zampini, Louis Annino, and Americo Corvo, sister-in-law Millie Bordonaro, and mother and father-in-law Mike and Margaret Lastrina. Joe lived and attended school in Middletown, CT and in his junior year of high school began working as a clerk at Annino's Drug Store in Portland. There he found his calling to become a pharmacist and met his future wife over a bag of Stateline potato chips and a cherry Coke. He graduated from Middletown High School in 1949 and went on to attend the University of Connecticut where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy in 1954. After graduating from the University of Connecticut, he became a partner at Annino's Drug Store. In 1979, Joe and Marie became sole owners of the pharmacy which was later renamed Bordonaro's Pharmacy. Joe was a member of the Knights of Columbus Freestone Council #7, as well as a past member of the Portland Board of Education. He was also a past president of the Middlesex Pharmacy Association and the Portland Exchange Club. He was a devout parishioner of St. Mary's Church where he was a eucharistic minister and alter server under Father John Ashe. Joe will be greatly missed by all who had the opportunity to know and love him. He enjoyed golfing with his friends, spending time at their beach home at Old Lyme Shores and fishing and playing baseball with his family. He loved the New York Yankees and UCONN Basketball teams. At the age of 53, Joe began his career as a marathon runner going on to complete 7 marathons, including the New York and Boston marathons. The family would like to thank the compassionate doctors and caring staff of the Critical Care Unit at Middlesex Hospital for everything they did for Joe and his family. A special thanks to Tracey G, Ashley, Kathy and Rosa. Calling hours will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 25th at St. Mary's Church on 51 Freestone Ave. Portland. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 26th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Church. In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Mary Church in Portland or the Lymphoma Research Foundation at www.lymphoma.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
James Bordonaro
June 17, 2024
Ten year on it seems so distant and near at the same time. How I would have loved to take a trip to "It'ly" with you and Marie and the boys so I could show you the sites. Just a bit sad today and remembering all the great times either in your kitchen or horsing around in the basement.
James Bordonaro
June 17, 2022
A great husband, a great father, a great grandfather, and to me, a great uncle. Joe and my dad always had dogs and they passed that love of animals along to me. I still remember Joe's great big German Shepherd, Tucker, and now we've got one ourselves, Bear, that's even bigger but just as sweet. Joe, Marie and the boys were anchors in my childhood and even though there is sadness there's also gratitude.
James Bordonaro
June 17, 2021
Thinking of my Uncle Joe today. I can't believe it has been 7 years since his passing. Missing his guidance and good humor.
Janet Capello
July 6, 2014
Well, Joe, this is a farewell from your best friend. You were one of a kind, Joe. No other like you. Remember our first cruise when you were acting so strange and we couldn't figure it out only to find you had loaded yourself up with medication because you were afraid of getting sea sick and didn't want to tell anyone? How about the second cruise when you and Joe Masselli decided to go scuba diving when the sign said the boat shouldn't be going out because of the weather and the tour guide took you anyway. You almost missed the ship and Marie & I almost killed you when you finally appeared. And, the time we went to Arizona and the sign said not to go into the area to retrieve golf balls because there were snakes in there and you came out all scratched. You escaped our death threat again! And how about the time you went to R.I. to run a race without telling Marie exactly where you would be and she and I went looking for you in R.I. OMG, another near death experience! I could go on and on for eternity with memories like no other foursome has. I will continue to defend you until the end of time. My heart is broken.
Godspeed, my friend. Until we meet again.
Janet & Frank, too, of course.
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SAM RANNO
June 30, 2014
HI DAVE, SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR DAD. I JUST FOUND OUT 6-30-2014. SORRY FOR YOUR LOST. I MET HIM AT THE NERSERY IN MIDDLETOWN WITH YOUR MOM. IF YOU NEED ANYTHING PLEASE CALL ME. GIVE YOU MOM A BIG HUG FOR ME AND LINDA TOO. GOD BLESS AND SEMPER FIDELIS SAM RANNO. CONTACT ME.
Christine Hetrick Shamasna
June 30, 2014
Growing up in Portland you couldn't help but know Mr. Bordonaro. He was such a nice man. My thoughts are with his family during this painful time. He will be missed by many~~
Christine Hetrick Shamasna
Susan and family Wilcox Dwyer
June 27, 2014
Sorry to hear about a wonderful person in your family he will be missed in the town of Portland.
larry & millie luppert
June 27, 2014
You will be missed, I'm so sorry to all ur family. Peace be with u. GOD BLESS.
June 27, 2014
Mare & family
We are very sorry about your loat of the Running Man Joe, as we remember him. God Bless you all
Don & Marie
dawn hinds
June 26, 2014
Marie and family
Ron and I would like to extend our condolences..beautiful man
.with love Dawn and Ron Hinds
Jack Sterry, Jr
June 26, 2014
Dear Mrs. B, Joey, David and families,
I am sending you all the best thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Joe was certainly always a bright light in many lives. Portland will appear a little dimmer now. His warm glow will be missed by all of us. My best always,
Felicia Grzejszczak
June 26, 2014
Marie, David, Joe and all the Bordonaro Family. My deepest sympathy on the passing of Joe. He was such a wonderful man, knowledgable pharmacist and a very kind person. Please know that the world is a brighter place because of Joe. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May he rest in peace.
Patty, Andrew and Brennan Bordonaro
June 26, 2014
We have only had he opportunity to meet a had full of times. In those short visits we enjoyed stories about the kids growing up, marathon races and life in Middletown. Uncle Joe will be greatly missed! Sending love and prayers to Marie, David, Joey and all of the Bordonaro family!
James Bordonaro
June 26, 2014
Gaelynn and I are heartbroken and bereft. It was less than a year ago we were sitting around my uncle's kitchen table swapping stories. Joe and Marie were ( in my mind) the best you could ask for in an aunt and uncle.. I can recalll just the best of times at their home when I was growing up and goofing around with Joey and David. I was so proud of him to run marathons and admired him for being such a wonderful grandfather. I wish we could be there in person to offer our condolences and hugs to all..
Pam Murphy
June 26, 2014
My sincere condolences to the entire Bordonaro family at this most difficult time. May he rest in peace.
June 25, 2014
Dear Marie,
Sending you much sympathy for your loss of Joe. I remember him fondly from the old days at the drug store when my brother Lou worked there. He was such a kind and caring man who will be missed by everyone who knew him.
Maria Annino Buatti
George Temple
June 25, 2014
My deepest condolences to Joe III & the Bordanero family . Please know the thoughts & prayers of my family are with you & your family at this most difficult time.
Betty Morgan
June 25, 2014
My thoughts and prayers for the Bordonaro Family. Joe was an extraordinary man always had a friendly smile and a heart to go with it. He will surely be missed.
June 25, 2014
Our deepest sympathies to all the Bordonaro Family.
Sincerely, Margaret & Charlie Coe
Ron & Peggy Nanfito
June 25, 2014
Marie,Joey, David and the entire Bordonaro family, know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. We will always remember Big Joey's smile and never forget his kindness, He was a role model to many. May he rest in peace.
Carla Muskatallo
June 25, 2014
We are so sorry for your loss. We will always hold fond memories of Mr. Bordonaro close to our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Bordonaro family during this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy
Ron,Carla,John,Erin Muskatallo
Mike and Marra Giuliano
June 24, 2014
May the memories of Joe sustain you all at this most difficult time. Sending our deepest sympathy and remembering you all in our prayers.
Debbie and Denny Heffernan
June 24, 2014
Mrs. Bordonaro, Joe, and David. We are so sad to hear of Joe's passing. He was such a great friend and better person. He always had a smile and kind words for everyone. He will be missed by all who knew him. Our sincere sympathy to you all.
Matt Probolus
June 24, 2014
Thoughts are prayers with the Bordonaro family. Joe Sr. was a wonderful man full of energy.
Jennifer Liappes
June 24, 2014
Joey, Jenn, & Mrs. Bordonaro,
I am so sorry to hear about Mr. B's passing. He was always so nice to me - always smiling, trying to make me laugh in some silly way. I loved working at the drug store. It is where I felt that I came about a second family in the Bordonaro's. Mr. B went out of his way to always teach me something new and I respected that about him. He was a wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time.
Andy Annino
June 24, 2014
To the Bordonaro Family, I am very sorry for your loss! He was a very nice man. I am remembering happier times working at Anninos Drug Store. My deepest sympathy. My God help you through this difficult time.
June 24, 2014
Our hearts and prayers go out to all of you. Joe's beautiful life will continue through memories, traditions, and the love he has given to all of you. Whenever we would stop in the store or the few times we saw him at Rossini's on a Saturday night, it was never just a "hello"; Joe inquired about our family. He was such a caring interested person. Marie, please lean on your family, faith and friends during this difficult time.
Fondly,
Myra and David Finkelstein
Andy Annino
June 24, 2014
Very sorry to hear of Mr Bordonaro's passing. I am remembering happier times at Anninos Drug Store. My deepest sympathy. May God help you through this difficult time.
June 24, 2014
We always loved seeing Mr. Bordonaro as we walked to the beach on Saltaire Drive. He was a wonderful man! We will never forget how excited he was to tell us of the arrival of Jay and Anna. Know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Fondly, AJ and Maura (Walsh) O'Brien.
MaryAnn DelRusso
June 24, 2014
Marie and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most sad and difficult time.
Wishing you Love and Peace,
Bob and MaryAnn DelRusso and family
Mary Arsenault
June 24, 2014
So sorry for your loss. You are all in my thought and prayers.
Mr, Bordonaro was such a nice man, always had a great smile!!!
Sharon (Dunham) Migliore
June 24, 2014
To the Bordonardo family I would like to extend my condolences in the loss of Joe senior.He was a great man with such a wonderful smile. He treated everyone the same no matter what.R.I.P.My dear friend you will greatly missed.
Lisa Marchese-Adams
June 24, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Matt Kopet
June 24, 2014
Joe was kind enough to give me my first job way back in the day.... I have always counted him as a great friend to our whole family. He will be greatly missed. All our thougths and prayers are with your family.
Joseph Capello
June 24, 2014
I have so many fond memories of Joe making me laugh as we worked side by side, too many to mention. May he rest in peace.
June 24, 2014
It was always a pleasure to pick up our prescriptions at Annino's/Bordonaro's while living in Portland from 1973-2001. Joe was always so courteous and helpful. My prayers go out to the Bordonaro' family at this difficult time. Jaqueline Rich (Wakefield, MA).
June 24, 2014
It is with great sadness that we get this news! Joe always had a smile and a hello and it was very evident how much he loved his family! Our sympathy to the entire family ! The Johnson family at OLS
a friend
June 24, 2014
Joe, you were one of a kind. Bless your family and friends in the days ahead. Say "hi" to Johnny Zamp.
June 24, 2014
JOE AND MARY WERE A PLEASURE TO KNOW, AND DEAL WITH AT BORDONARO'S, AS IS THEIR FAMILY STILL IS,PRAYERS TO ALL THE FAMILY.. PAM BAYHA
June 24, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time, the entire The Bordonaro family have been such wonderful, loving and caring friends. Joe will be deeply missed by all. Love Karl, Linda, Nick and Chris Adamsons
Frank & Ann Miazga
June 24, 2014
Joe's picture is perfectly him. Happy, kind and caring. Our hearts are broken.
Ann & Frank Miazga
June 24, 2014
Sending our love and support during this difficult time to the Bordonaro family, we are blessed to have you as friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Love - Karl, Linda, Nick and Chris Adamsons
Alison Wagner
June 24, 2014
sending love and prayers to the whole Bordonaro family~ Joe was one of a kind and a friend to everyone. he will be missed by one and all.
My love always
Linda Ziegler
June 23, 2014
Dear Bordonaro family, My family is saddened to hear that Joe has passed and we wish to express our sincere sympathy to each of you. Having worked for Joe before he retired I recall thinking that he would have a difficult time transitioning. Joe proved me wrong. In fact retirement totally agreed with him. He was always rushing Marie out of the store when they would visit because he had things to do and places to go. Some good times were shared when he and Marie would invite us to picnics at the beach. Joe amused us with some of his pharmacy recollections and his unique antics. Everyone who knew Joe was aware of his admiration for the Yankees, but his love for his family far exceeded that. Two things that particularly stand out when I think of Joe are his telling me that Joey and Dave never returned the tools they borrowed from him (but the boys disagree) and also his terrific smelling cologne (that I'm sure Marie was responsible for choosing). On a more serious note, I consider myself very fortunate to have known Joe for 20 plus years. Portland has lost an icon. Rest in peace Joe.
Melissa Tierney
June 23, 2014
My thoughts, love, and prayers are with your entire family at this hard time. I'm going to miss his morning visits with Mrs. B to the store. He will be greatly missed by everyone.
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