Hackensack Meridian Health Mourns the Passing of Joseph Simunovich Former Board CoChair and Founding Chair of School of Medicine Board of Governors

It is with a heavy heart and sincere regret that I share the sad news of the passing of Joe Simunovich, my dear friend and mentor, and a treasure to our entire network and the state of New Jersey.

Joe has played such a vital role throughout our history and leaves a rich and accomplished legacy that has benefitted our team members, patients and our communities. Joe was a towering figure in New Jersey business, government, health care and politics for more than four decades and served nine New Jersey Governors in several key leadership positions.

Simply put, Joe was a giant. He was chair of all major boards for the 27 of 28 years he served. Joe was the founding chair of the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine at Seton Hall University Board of Governors, a position he cherished and eagerly served until his passing.

Joe was also former co-Chair of the Hackensack Meridian Health Board of Trustees. Joe began his service at the Hackensack University Medical Center Board of Governors in 1991 and held a variety of roles including: chair of the Hackensack University Health Network Board of Trustees, the HackensackUMC Board of Governors, the HackensackUMC Foundation's Board of Trustees and the HackensackUMC at Pascack Valley Joint Venture Board.

For his visionary leadership and enduring commitment to our organization and the patients and communities we are so privileged to serve, Joe received the 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award last month at our annual meeting.

Joe is survived by his loving wife Pam, his daughter Tracy, his son in law Steve and his four grandsons Steven, Christopher, Andrew and Kevin.

The arrangements for Joe are as follows:

Visitation:
Sunday, June 23
1 - 8 p.m.
Frank Patti Funeral Home
327 Main St., Ft. Lee, NJ

Funeral Mass:
Monday, June 24
10 a.m.
Holy Trinity Church
34 Maple Ave., Hackensack, NJ

Donations in Joe's name can be made to:
Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation
160 Essex Street, Suite 101
Lodi, NJ 07644
https://www.hackensackumc.org/donate/

Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers for the Simunovich Family.

Robert C. Garrett