Jack Joseph Bordieri

Published in the Hartford Courant on 6/25/2009

BORDIERI, Jack Joseph Jack Joseph Bordieri of Wethersfield, devoted and beloved husband of June (Bell) Bordieri, died on (June 23, 2009) after a long, courageous fight with prostate cancer. Born July 29, 1932, in Hartford, he was the son of the late Michaelangelo and Lena (D'Ambrogio) Bordieri.

Throughout his life, he did what he loved most-sports and sharing his enthusiasm and knowledge of them with young people. From 1950 to 1954, Jack was with the Washington Senator's Farm System. Due to a reoccurring injury, his dream to play in the majors ended.

From 1954 to 1977, Jack was with the Hartford Police Department. He became the Director/President of the Hartford Police Athletic League (PAL). He coached and instructed all sports and arranged numerous outings, trips and activities for the youth of Hartford. During this time, he was a volunteer for the March of Dimes.

After PAL, Jack continued his involvement with young people through the Protective Service Program at Bulkeley High School. In 1977, he became the Director of Athletics at Briarwood College in Southington. He was a popular figure on campus, setting up athletic teams and activities, as well as numerous field and bus trips. Jack also loved spending time in Florida with his wife June, his family and friends. Jack's caring, outgoing personality touched all who crossed his path.

Besides his wife of 53 years, Jack is survived by two daughters, Janice and Mary-Jo Bordieri of Wethersfield; and a son, John of Jupiter, FL; seven grandchildren, whom he affectionately called "My Kids": Melissa, Kyle, Justin and Angela Guilfoyle and Jonnathan, Julia June and Jisella Bordieri. "Poppy, you'll live forever in our hearts!" He also leaves sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Joseph and Jean Bell, Frances and Richard Dunn, Beverly Corraccio, Richard and Ellen Bell, Joseph and Donna Crossman, Roy and Ruth Bell and Charles and Andrea Mazzola; as well as many loving nephews, nieces, relatives and a host of dear friends and extended family, especially Salvatore and Virginia Bazzano and their sons. Jack was predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law, Joseph and Marie Bordieri, brother-in-law and dear friend, Patsy Corraccio and cherished nephew, Anthony Pandolfe. The family wishes to thank the entire staff at Maple View Manor for the genuine love and care they gave to Jack.

Funeral service will leave Saturday, June 27, at 9 a.m. from the D'Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd., Wethersfield for a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Corpus Christi Church, Wethersfield. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Memorial Park, Rocky Hill.

Family and friends may call on Friday, from 3-7 p.m. at the funeral chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society-CT Chapter, 659 Tower Ave., First Floor, Hartford, CT 06112 or to the Keane Foundation, P.O. Box 290742, Wethersfield, CT 06129-0742.

For online expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopo.com.