Obituary of Justin Borrelli

Justin P. Borrelli, 46, died February 25, 2021, at St. Mary’s Hospital, Amsterdam, after a long battle with cancer. He was born in Oneonta, N.Y. on Mother’s Day, May 12, 1974, son of Peter and Jane Borrelli. Justin grew up in Vischer Ferry, graduating from Shenendehoah High School in 1992. He attended SUNY Potsdam and years later returned to college, graduating from UMass Lowell with a degree in sound recording technology in 2006. He spent time in San Rafael, California, with the Laughing Tiger Recording Studios before returning to the East Coast. Early on, Justin enjoyed playing drums for several bands on Cape Cod and around the Boston area. He learned to cook on the job, working in restaurants in Saratoga Springs and Lake George as well as the Cape where he did lengthy stints at Laurino’s in Brewster, Serena’s in Wellfleet, and Victor’s in Provincetown. In 2017 he moved to Northville, N.Y. to be closer to his family. To his friends, he was known for his poker face and dry sense of humor. He was a patron of libraries wherever he lived. A friend to all four-legged creatures, he was happiest taking power walks on the Cape or in the Adirondacks with biscuits in his pocket for any dog he might meet. Justin is survived by his parents of Northville, his brother Marcus Borrelli (Stacey) of Gloversville, his uncle Jack Roberts (Debbie) of Skillman, N.J. and cousins Tim Roberts (Brigid) of Portland, OR, Christie Roberts of Washington, D.C., and Emily Roberts of Denver, CO. His family would like to thank the St. Mary’s Cancer Center, Amsterdam, especially Dr. Barba and Dr. Shareef, nurses Jody, Dana and April; and Dr. Elisabeth Dexter of Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, N.Y., for their care. A private burial service will be held at a later date.