Joseph Arthur Rotondi

Early morning on May 21, 2023 Joseph Arthur Rotondi passed away peacefully with his wife Bettina holding his hand as he took his last breath.  He was in the care of Good Shepherd Hospice where his family was able to say their goodbyes.   Joe was a man with a voluminous personality who was not afraid to say what was on his mind. He was born on January 25th, 1942 in Bronx, New York to Pasquale and Louise Rotondi.

Joe was a man of many talents. He worked for 18 years on Rikers Island holding Deputy Warden status in charge of maintenance.   He loved working with his hands as a skilled mason for the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, Local 1, in NY.  His true passion was his family. 

Joseph and Bettina's story was that of a TRUE love story.  After 35 years of creating a beautiful life together with a myriad of ups and downs and health issues, Joe was finally able to have Betty's hand in marriage on September 25, 2022.  For all their years together he would say, Betty, "PLEASE make me an honest man before I die" and she finally did. Joe was a devoted husband and beautiful father to his children: Anthony Furtado, Michael Furtado and Kristina Furtado-Netter, Joanne Frohberg (ne: Rotondi), Laura Xenakis (ne: Rotondi), What he adored most and did best in his life was love his grandchildren; Leonard A. Furtado, Kalei Furtado, Heakalani Furtado, Keo 'Bubba' Furtado, Cory Joseph Netter, Jennifer Ann Netter, James John Netter, Andrew James Netter, Timothy Frohberg, Russell Frohberg, Georgie Frohberg,Melanie Xenakis, Rachel Xenakis, and great-grand children; Primrose Furtado, Azzaria Furtado, Kizan Furtado, Aine Cosgrave/Netter, Ruari Carol Cosgrave/Netter, Harper Frohberg, Julia Laucella and the In-laws James A. Netter, Malia Furtado, Big George Frohberg, and little George Xenakis .  His late sister Mary Lou Santoro (ne: Rotondi).

Joe had an array of hobbies and interests that kept him busy throughout his life. He was a hot rod collector and a member of Back in Time and Still Cruisin’ car clubs.  He loved fishing and crabbing - though excuse the french - he cursed quite a bit while doing so and boy he loved his food ! 

We celebrate the life of Joseph Arthur Rotondi - a man who lived his life unfiltered, never letting anyone or anything hold him back from living to the fullest. Rest peacefully Papa Joe. 

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. ♥️