Joel Browndorf, 81, of Red Bank, passed away peacefully at home Aug. 14, 2022, after a lengthy bout with prostate cancer. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Irving and Lorraine Browndorf, Joel lived portions of his life in Philadelphia, New York City, and Rumson. He attended Central High School in Philadelphia, Bordentown Military and Temple University.
If you asked people to describe Joel, you would hear a number of adjectives: athletic, perseverant, charming, poetic, a straight-shooting crooner, and loyal friend. To our family, he was simply “Pop,” our patriarch and idol, the person who told us exactly how he saw it, and who loved us dearly with his whole heart. He has passed on life lessons for generations to follow, not just for our family, but also many of his close friends.
Joel was the beloved husband of Mara; loving father of Iric Browndorf (Courtney), Jeffrey Browndorf (Marisa), Nancy Grossman, John Browndorf (Sara) and Liz Toolan (Chris); cherished grandfather of Lindsay Grossman, Ali Grossman, Alex Browndorf, Nick Browndorf, Benjamin Browndorf, Rebecca Browndorf, Olivia Browndorf, Emma Toolan, Hope Toolan, and grandchild number 10, due January 2023.
For those who knew Joel, know that his legacy will fiercely live on, through any Frank Sinatra song and every birdie or bogey on the links. And in those moments, we will toast to his beautiful life; one led with courage, strength, grit and, of course, done “his way.” He will continue to fly us to the moon with the beloved memories he has left with each and every one of us, forever.
Services are private. Thompson Memorial Home of Red Bank has been entrusted with the arrangements.
The article originally appeared in the August 18 – 24, 2022 print edition of The Two River Times.
