Joseph N. Badalamenti

Joseph N. Badalamenti of Portage, passed away peacefully February 19, 2015 at Borgess Hospital with his family by his side. Joe was born in Kalamazoo on June 6, 1939 and is the son of Anthony and Josephine (Anselmo) Badalamenti, who preceded him in death. While in high school, he and his brother, Tony, started a cleaning business, T&J Floor Care, that is still in business today. He started as a janitor at the Upjohn Company and retired as a research technician after 34 years of service. He also was a life long member of St. Monica Catholic Church, having served in many capacities at St. Monica School and also Monsignor Hackett High School. Joe was always giving back to others, the community and to friends, and it was reflected in his weekly visits to the Sisters of St. Joseph, his daily breakfasts with friends and business colleagues, and his work in founding the free Diabetes Clinic at Borgess Medical Center. He has been the acting chairman for the last 17 years for the “Touchdown for Diabetes” fundraising event. This annual event is the primary fundraiser for the Borgess free clinic that supplies quality medical care, education, medications, and medical supplies to patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes. He was a past president of the Westside Kiwanis Club, and a member of the Knights of Columbus #1616. A sister, Josephine Vrhel, preceded him in death. Joe is survived by his wife of 54 years Martha (Boot), 4 children: Joseph Jr. (Jody) Badalamenti of Portage, Julia (James) Monticello of Mansfield Ma, Jennifer Badalamenti of Portage and Laura (Tim) Stevens of Warminster, Pa, 7 grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Alexa Badalamenti, Daniel, Monica, and Mary Monticello, Matthew and Nicholas Badalamenti, brother, Anthony Badalamenti of Mattawan, several nieces & nephews and many loving, long time Michigan and Florida friends and neighbors. Friends will be received Tuesday from 6 until 8pm at Redmond Funeral Home, 4100 S. Westnedge Ave. Kalamazoo, MI 49008, (269) 343-6156, where a rosary will be recited at 7:30 pm. Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday Feb. 25, 2015 at 10:30am at St. Monica Catholic Church. Burial will follow. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made in Joe’s name to his favorite charity: Touchdown for Diabetes, 6600 Westnedge Ave. Portage, MI 49024. www.redmondfuneralhomes.net