Dr. Joel E. Borkow

Dr. Joel E. Borkow, 77, of Westmont, died on June 17, 2021 after fighting a courageous battle involving multiple medical issues. Born on March 15, 1944, in South Carolina.

Preceded in death by his parents Drs. Philip and Harriet Borkow, mother-in-law Assunta "Nonna" Pappas, sisters-in-law Anna Catherine Sekerski, Theodora Pappas, and Rita Krupa, brother-in-law John Krupa.

Survived by his loving and devoted wife, Mary (Pappas), and children, David (Melissa), Jason (Rebecca), Michelle (Jim), K. Andrew (Laura), Philip (Pat); grandchildren, Hannah (Christian), Emma, Aaron, Meagan, Stephen, Nathan, Grant, Paige, Madilyn, Owen, Ryan, Joshua, Ella, Brooke, Rachel; one great grandson, Micah; brother-in-law, T.J. Pappas; sister, Ellen (Wayne); also survived by multiple nieces, nephews, many special friends and colleagues.

Joel attended Princeton University at the young age of 16 and never looked back. After doing Chemical Research and earning several Master Degrees in Engineering, he attended Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He did his residency at Millard Filmore Hospital in New York, and his Plastic Surgery Residency at the Medical College in Ohio. He was a board certified Plastic Surgeon licensed in New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and California.

Joel arrived in Johnstown in 1977 to join Dr. Stephen Benko at Plastic Surgical Associates, where he practiced for over 30 years before joining Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center where he practiced for 10 more years. Upon retirement, he volunteered at the Highlands Free Clinic for 3 years.

Joel loved medicine and loved being a Plastic Surgeon. A consummate physician, he was dedicated for providing the best care possible for his thousands of patients. He earned tremendous respect and admiration among his colleagues and staff. For Joel, medicine was not work, it was his mission in life.

His accomplishments include; Diplomats of Medical Council of Canada; Medical Board of Medical Examiners; Professional societies include, American Medical Association, Pennsylvania Medical Society, Cambria County Medical Society, American College of Surgeons, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Ohio Valley Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, Robert H. Ivy Society of Plastic and Reconstruction Surgeon, Northeastern Society of Plastic Surgeons, Lipoplasty Society of North America, Eastern Association of the Surgery of Trauma, The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, and American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons.

May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him and whom he touched and healed. 

He supported numerous local non-profit organizations in Johnstown therefore, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a local charity of your choice.

A special thank you to Laurelview Village for their excellent and compassionate care.

He will be dearly missed and forever loved.

Friends and family will be received from 2-8 PM on Sunday, June 20, 2021 at Frank Duca Funeral Home, Westmont Chapel, 1622 Menoher Blvd. Johnstown PA 15905.

A brief service honoring Dr. Borkow will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday at the Frank Duca Funeral Home, Westmont Chapel. The Funeral Service will be live streamed at 11:00AM Monday from the button below or follow this website address to https://evt.live/bsduca20/dr-joel-e-borkow-funeral-service .Entombment to follow at Grandview Mausoleum.

Condolences may be sent through www.ducafuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dr. Joel E. Borkow, please visit our floral store.