Joseph John Wallendal, age 81, a longtime resident of Flemington, NJ, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2021 in Medford, NJ a decade after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. In accordance with his wishes, his ashes will be scattered near “The Farm” in a private ceremony. A celebration of his truly wonderful life will take place at a time to be announced.

Joe was born in Prospect Park, NJ in 1939. He married Willy Lize Kooy, who he met at Eastern Christian High School, in 1960 and the two have been partners ever since. As a Certified Public Accountant who attended Rutgers University, Joe’s journey took him from NJ with two children to Bogota, Colombia in the mid-60’s where he was the Chief Auditor for the U.S. State Department, Agency for International Development. In addition to numerous adventures travelling around Colombia in small planes, on horseback, or even in a canoe to perform audits, he and Willy added two more children to their family before returning to NJ.

Back in the U.S., Joe landed a job with the American Cyanamid Company. His positions at Cyanamid allowed him to see many other countries around the world, including Latin America and the Far East as well as move the family to Mexico City for several years in the early 70’s. He truly had an exciting and rewarding career as an accountant. As he put it, “In fact, I never did much accounting at all”.

After returning once again to the U.S. and settling in Flemington, NJ in 1974, Joe remained with Cyanamid until 1996, retiring at the relatively young age of 56. In retirement, he was an active volunteer, especially on the Board of Trustees of the Interfaith Hospitality Network of Hunterdon County. He and his wife Willy also enjoyed travelling as well as spending time at “The Farm” in NY state, a beautiful and rustic old place that was always peaceful. Joe’s favorite place was sitting on the front porch with coffee in the morning or a vodka tonic in the evening and a good book, enjoyable conversation, or writing his memoirs.

There is so much more to Joe’s life and loves than can be related here. Joe is survived by Willy, his wife of 60 years, his son Bruce (Cathy) and their two children, his daughter Michele (Spyridon) and their two children, his son Chris (Adrienne) and their five children, and his daughter Cathy (Graham) and three children. Joe was predeceased by his grandson “Zander”.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association or a charity of your choice.  (www.BradleyStow.com) 

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