I worked for Joel at Hialeah Hospital. He was one of the best bosses I ever had. His sense of humor, professionalism, guidance, vision and zest for life made him a joy to work for and to be in his company. He will be missed.
Mike Masi

Joel was like a second big brother to me.  Many fond memories of fun and laughter at his home...he always included me. His joy will live in our hearts.

My cousin Joel Dalva was like a big brother to me. We grew up together in Brooklyn, NY. Our mothers were sisters, my Aunt Esther and his Aunt Mary. They were close and we were close. We had lots of cousins on our mothers' side of the family. Barocas family gatherings were fun.
Neither Joel nor I have middle names. So we gave ourselves middle names. He was J. Edgar and I was J. Oscar. We shared interests in shortwave radio, baseball, and other boyhood pursuits. We went deep sea fishing on the Tambo from Canarsie pier. We ate at Grabstein's deli, which he often remembered fondly – and which you can read about here:.
http://www.nytimes.com/1996/05/15/nyregion/delis-dwindle-traditions-lose-bite-kosher-hard-find-jewish-populations-fall.html
After my family moved from Brooklyn to central Pennsylvania in 1962, J. Edgar and I saw each other less often. And then we were married, as were many of our cousins, and we saw each other even less often. 
Shortly after my parents moved to Florida in 1985, Joel and Marlene and Blanche and I went to dinner in a place with a grotto-like décor, which we all found quite odd. Joel visited us in Cleveland Heights when he worked for Ernst & Young. We spoke after Marlene passed away. We emailed and spoke while he was undergoing treatment. He told me he was taking one day at a time. 
My cousin Joel Dalva was like a big brother to me.

I needed a few days to compose myself and try to put into words what Joel has meant to me. Seven years ago, he interviewed me, hired me and immediately gave me the respect and autonomy I hadn't earned yet. During the next five years, Joel and I built his practice; we were like good cop, bad cop – I was demanding of the clients and Joel charmed them with always a kind and supportive word. When Marlene became ill, Joel moved the office to his home so he could devote himself to her care. He turned almost everything over to me and slowly eased himself towards retirement. We had become close friends and I'm grateful for the confidences Joel shared with me all those years and especially during his family's devastating loss. Now, two years later,  Joel too is gone.  Joel – my wonderful friend, my mentor and probably the most positive person I have ever known. Neither Marlene nor Joel ever gave up; both showed such strength of character and love of life.  To honor Joel, I will try to become more like him. And, all my love to Stacey & Scott,  Adam & Jen,  Amanda & Jason and all the grandkids.  How proud he was of all of you….

If only words could bring my dad back. He always said how important family is, because you live on through family. He'll always be in my heart, and the hearts of my children, his beautiful grandchildren. May he live on in all our hearts.

Although I miss my father , I find comfort in knowing that he will be forever in peace with my mother Marlene. They will always be watching their beautiful grandchildren. He suffered for a long time and has found peace once again with his wife. I love you dad and I ate my sandwich yesterday.

My sincere condolences to the Dalva family. May your memories of Joel be a help during this difficult time.  My heart goes out to Shelley who went above and beyond in her care and love for Joel.

My sincere sympathy to the Dalva family on the loss of a fine father and friend, and my sympathy and highest respect to Shelley, for her unwavering care and devotion to Joel throughout his illness.

My condolences to the whole family on their loss and especially to Joel's special friend, Shelley Rothman, who cared for him deeply until the end. May you all be comforted by loving memories.

OBITUARY

Joel Dalva

2 July, 1947 – 12 February, 2013

Star of David Memorial Gardens Cemetery & Funeral Chapel

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