TO OUR DEAR AND HONORED FRIEND
AND COLLEAGUE JOE ONUFRAK

I see you, arms outstretched and raised whether in excitement over a new big deal, frustration over yet another green law clerk that knew nothing about title, ready to offer a friendly embrace, or in joy as you passionately talked about your family, wine, or music. From the moment I met you back at Chicago Title, your fiery spirit and zest for life made work life a lot more interesting and enjoyable. I am sure that you are bringing that same charm to heaven.

Danielle Sprouls

Joe was a distinguished attorney who consistently represented the interests of Liberty Title Agency in a competent and professional manner. In his personal life Joe was the consummate gentlemen, courteous, polite, a person who would go out of his way to assist those in need. Joe left a space at Liberty Title which will be difficult to fill.

Bill Colavito

Brilliant legal counsel - true gentleman - all around great guy. Joe will be sorely missed, but always remembered.

Lou Weinberg

The world is a better place because of you, Joe. Your legacy is one of tremendous spirit, sharp intelligence, kindness of heart, and limitless faith. Thank you for your friendship, guidance, and support.

Yvonne Lieblein and Josh Horton

I first met Joe Onufrak as a client in the mid '80s when he was a young associate at Weil, Gotshal and I was a young manager at LTIC Assoc. I enjoyed working with Joe. In addition to his quick intelligence, he had a relaxed interesting personal side that he shared readily. I was lucky enough to continue doing business with Joe when he moved to Simpson, Thacher. We shared a love of horseback riding and Joe used to tell me about riding in the mornings in Central Park. I looked forward to our deals and chats together.

I lost touch with Joe at some point and was delighted, after many years, to have had the privilege of being his colleague in the New York City office of Liberty Title. Joe was one of three founders of the office and when I came along, there were six of us. Our reunion was melancholy because Joe was already confronting multiple myeloma.

I only knew Joe as a colleague, and yet it was clear that he was an exceptional individual. He loved wine, good food, good conversation, good books, and most of all - his friends and family. His interests varied from the signed photo of Albert Camus that he prized to the many vintage guitars that he collected and cherished. Joe lived his life as bravely and as fully as he could and lived according to Camus' philosophy: 'If there is sin against life, it consists... in hoping for another life and in eluding the implacable grandeur of this life.'

Joe will be missed by everyone who knew him, and the world is a better place for his having passed through it.

Stephanie Butler

I first met Joe when we shared an office for a brief time in Garden City. In that time, we had many conversations, both professional and personal. As I grew to know Joe, I learned many things about him - one was how much he loved to talk! The other and most important was what a true gentleman and a class act he was. We can all learn from what a true fighter Joe was too. I know I did. Joe, you will be missed.

Joyce Stracci

I remember Joe loved dinosaurs.
I remember Joe as a fine wine connoisseur.
I remember Joe and his collections of collectible electric guitars and miniature replicas.
I remember Joe loved and adored his family.
I remember Joe as a charitable and generous man.
I remember Joe's amazing will and courage in his fight against multiple myeloma.
I remember Joe as a man of strong principles.
I remember when Joe asked me to work on something 'when you have time'; it really meant get it done in the next 10 minutes.
I remember Joe looking like a G-man in his hat and coat in the winter time.
Most of all, I remember Joe sitting behind his desk, looking over the top of his eyeglasses that perched on the tip of his nose, either trying to type with two fingers or talking to us.
Joe, I'll miss your everyday presence, but never forget you.

Connie Ng

I always will remember Joe's enthusiasm, perseverance, uncanny knowledge (of anything and everything), his elegant but, ultimately, illegible handwriting, and the slight raise in pitch of his voice when discussing a topic of his interest (the Beatles, vintage guitars, occasionally title issues). When Joe said, 'Good Morning' or simply 'Hello,' it was never perfunctory, he meant it with a smile and was genuinely happy to see you. That was a rare comfort and he will truly be missed.

Brian Stewart

The first time I saw Joe, he walked into our Garden City Office and said 'good morning,' with a smile on his face. I didn't know who he was at the time because we had not yet been introduced. He always seemed happy and always had a kind word to say; and no matter what was going on in his life, he would walk into the office everyday and say 'good morning' with a smile on his face. I only worked with Joe for a short time, as he was going to be counsel in our Manhattan Office, but everyday, no matter what, he was happy. Joe will be missed and remembered by many, and my prayers are with him and his family.

Louise Topalian

In the short time I have been associated with Joe, I found him to be a true gentleman who loved guitars, fine wine, his job, and his associates. We all felt the same love for Joe.

Fred R. Hirt

It was a pleasure to work with Joe Onufrak. Communicating over the phone, he had such a pleasant personality. The kindness in his voice, and Joe's good sense of humor will be remembered fondly.

Lois Werner

I only have been active in the title business since October 1, 2007. The first NYSTA seminar I attended was that month. Quite by accident I happened to sit next to Joe Onufrak. In our conversation during breakfast, Joe offered his assistance and advice. From time to time after that meeting Joe called to see how I was doing. It was not until the blood drive for Joe early in 2008 that I learned of Joe's battle with cancer. To realize that a man literally fighting for his life had enough interest in me to offer advice and to follow up with phone calls had a staggering effect on me. I so wish I could have sat with Joe before he left us to thank him for his great warmth and generosity. I knew him such a short time, but he made a very deep and what I know will be a very lasting impression on me. Rest in peace, Joe, and thank you so much for your inspiration.

Daniel M. Rennus