Joseph Marion Borzilleri, 74, from Enola, passed away peacefully to eternal rest on May 16, 2017 at Homeland Center in Harrisburg. Joe was born in Harrisburg on March 21, 1943, and it was fitting that he returned home to the city where he had been born and grew up to spend his final days. Joe was the son of the late Joseph A. and Mildred E. (Bair) Borzilleri.
Before his retirement, he was a guidance counselor at East Pennsboro High School for almost 30 years, and also taught history and political science at Bishop McDevitt High School for the previous 10 years. Joe was a devoted member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Enola and was also active in the Knights of Columbus.
Joe was preceded in death by his two beloved children, Matthew and Lauren. He is survived by his loving daughter, Elysabethe, of Harrisburg; by a sister, Michelle Borzilleri-Lewis and her husband, Donald M. Lewis, of Hampden Township; their daughters, Meredith and Emily Lewis; Meredith’s husband, Dr. Jeffrey Smith, and their children, for whom Joe was a devoted great-uncle.
Joe graduated from LaSalle University in Philadelphia and obtained his Master’s Degree from Penn State. He was an enthusiastic Penn State football fan and held season tickets for many years. Joe was well loved and respected in the high school communities where he taught and mentored students for four decades. He had a great rapport with students, faculty, and parents, and was often sought after for advice. He attended as many Bishop McDevitt High School Reunions as he could. To stay active during his retirement, he proctored SAT exams at East Pennsboro High School and enjoyed part time work at Bobby Rahal Lexus.
Joe had many faithful friends and colleagues who were very supportive as Joe battled a rare blood cancer during the last decade of his life. The family is grateful for the excellent care and treatment that Joe received from his doctors and nurses and everyone else involved in his care. God Bless you.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 beginning at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the Church. Burial will be private with family and friends at Resurrection Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made on Joe’s behalf to East Pennsboro High School (memo line “Family Fund – Joe B”), c/o Scott D’Orazio, 425 Shady Lane, Enola, PA 17025; or Bishop McDevitt High School, 1 Crusader Way, Harrisburg, PA 17111.
The Sullivan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Borzilleri family.