Joseph Soriano Died: A Respected Nurse at Belleville General Hospital, Succumbs to COVID-19
Belleville, Ontario – The staff and patients of Belleville General Hospital (BGH) are grieving the sudden death of Joseph Soriano, a nurse who worked in the Emergency Department for over 10 years. Soriano, 38, passed away on January 14, 2024, due to complications from COVID-19.
A passionate and caring professional
Joseph Soriano was known for his passion and care for his patients, colleagues, and profession. He was a mentor to many new and aspiring nurses, sharing his knowledge and experience with generosity and kindness. He was also a leader in the Emergency Department, taking on extra responsibilities and initiatives to improve the quality and safety of care.
“Joseph was a wonderful nurse and a great friend. He always had a smile on his face and a positive attitude. He was compassionate, respectful, and professional with everyone he encountered. He loved his job and he loved helping people. He will be deeply missed by all of us,” said Dr. Jennifer Lee, the chief of Emergency Medicine at BGH.
A devoted husband and father
Joseph Soriano was not only a dedicated nurse, but also a devoted husband and father. He leaves behind his wife, Maria, and their two children, aged 6 and 4. Soriano met his wife, who is also a nurse, at BGH in 2013. They married in 2015 and settled in Belleville, where they raised their family.
“Joseph was the best husband and father I could ever ask for. He was supportive, loving, and fun. He always made time for us, even when he was busy or tired. He was our rock and our hero. We are heartbroken and devastated by his loss,” said Maria Soriano.
A victim of the pandemic
Soriano contracted COVID-19 in late December 2023, while working in the Emergency Department. He was exposed to the virus by a patient who had symptoms but did not disclose their travel history or contact with a confirmed case. Soriano developed severe respiratory distress and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at BGH on January 2, 2024. He was placed on a ventilator and received various treatments, but his condition worsened and he died on January 14, 2024.
Soriano was fully vaccinated against COVID-19, but he had an underlying medical condition that made him more vulnerable to the virus. He was one of the 12 health care workers who died from COVID-19 in Ontario in 2023, according to the Ontario Nurses’ Association (ONA).
“Joseph’s death is a tragic reminder of the risks and sacrifices that health care workers face every day during this pandemic. They put their lives on the line to save others, often without adequate protection and support. They deserve our respect and gratitude, but also our action and accountability. We need to do everything we can to prevent more deaths like Joseph’s,” said Vicki McKenna, the president of ONA.
A legacy of service and excellence
Joseph Soriano’s death has sparked an outpouring of grief and tribute from his colleagues, patients, friends, and community. A memorial service was held at BGH on January 16, 2024, where hundreds of people gathered to honor his life and legacy. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support his family and a scholarship fund has been established in his name to help aspiring nurses.
“Joseph was a shining example of what it means to be a nurse. He was a hero, not only in his death, but in his life. He touched so many lives and made a difference in so many ways. He will always be remembered and celebrated for his service and excellence,” said Mary Clare Egberts, the president and CEO of Quinte Health Care, the organization that operates BGH.
