John Borg

John Borg, passed away peacefully in his Delray Beach home on Tuesday, March 8, 2022. He was 99 years old. John was born in the village of Mqabba on the island of Malta on June 5 1922. He was the son of the late Anthony and Rose Borg.

John grew up in Malta during WWII. His father was in the British Army and he attended English schools. Growing up during WWII was not easy for him. He did his homework by candlelight, always waiting for air raid sirens to go off and often went hungry. He was raised in the Catholic faith and was an altar boy. At one time he considered becoming a priest.

John was a welder and worked in the shipyard. After the war he traveled to South Africa with his best friend and worked as a welder in the African bush. Armed men would have to stand by and protect them as they worked. He lived in South Africa for 5 years, worked, rode his motorcycle and sent money back home.

John loved music and played the clarinet at the club in his town. He would send sheet music to the band regularly. The club honored John for all his contributions over the years. Upon his death the flag was lowered to half-mast in his honor.

John was a proud American. He came to America in the late 40’s and lived in the Bronx, until 2017. He became a NYC Building Inspector in 1967 and worked the worst neighborhoods in the South Bronx. An article was written about him in the Bronx Beat, showcasing the day in a life of an inspector. John was highly respected in his field and even the NYC Commissioner came to his retirement party.

John married the love of his life, Josephine (Jean) in 1957. They travelled the world together, and returned to Malta many times. He loved to eat pasta and would never pass up a cup of coffee, especially if cookies were offered.

John will be remembered as kind and funny but most of all as a dedicated family man. The last of the true gentleman. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Jean, and his two daughters, Joanne Borg and husband Robert Hutsko, Diana Borg and fiancé Diego Gil. Also surviving, his nephew Nino Sammut and Antionette, niece Rose and John Pace, nephew Thomas and Pauline Sammut, their children and many cousins in Malta. He is predeceased by his brother in-law Frances D’Aiuto, and his sisters, Ana Borg and Maria Sammut.