August 12, 2022. Joseph is predeceased by his parents Enock & Susana; brother Jacob. He survived by his former wife Florence Ndongwa; children, Nvayo Ndongwa and Tensa Ndongwa; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Ndongwa; nieces, Natalie Ndongwa and Constance Ndongwa; and nephews, Neville Ndongwa, Joseph Ndongwa, Colins Ndongwa, Spencer Ndongwa, and Bertrand Ndongwa.

Joseph's life story will be shared during his visitation Friday, September 23rd from 4-7 PM at the funeral home (1411 Vintage Lane). His funeral service will be celebrated Saturday, September 24th at 11 AM also at the funeral home with interment to follow at Riverside Cemetery (2650 Lake Avenue). Memorial donations in Joseph's name may be directed to St. Jude Children's Hospital (501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105).



The Quiet Man
By Christopher Correa

I just want to be a quiet man, And learn to discern, and listen.
Wait through the storms that rise, Hold tight to what matters most;
Demonstrate my worth with deeds, Cultivate a kind, loving disposition,
Leave a legacy; as a life well spent, And no one needs to lie at my funeral
I will try to find the strength to smile, even in my darkest days
Then walk in the sun; and be an overcomer
Refraining from looking at the past.



Remembrance for Dr. Joseph Nvayo Ndongwa

Joseph Nvayo Ndongwa, affectionately called Joe, was born on January 29, 1952. He was the second of two sons born to Enock Nvayo and Susana Lenkam in Kumba, Cameroon. He grew up in Kumba with his older brother where he attended primary school, and later went to Presbyterian Secondary School Kumba in 1963. In form 5, he held several leadership positions earning him the name of "Captain". Joe as some of his schoolmates described, was very quiet. He loved to play soccer while in high school. He was the Senior Prefect who was also referred to as the "punishment prefect" this means he would be the one to assign punishment to other students, and they were not always happy with him as a result.

After completing secondary education, he went on to study nursing at the Nursing School in Bamenda completing 3 years of study. He worked in several hospitals and Health Centers in the Northwest Province and was later transferred to the General hospital in the Southwest province of Kumba.

In the 1970's Joe migrated from Cameroon to the US and arrived in the town of Slippery Rock in Pennsylvania. After a year in Pennsylvania, he moved to Buffalo NY, and studied Accounting at the University at Buffalo. He returned several years later to study nursing, obtaining his bachelor's in nursing in 1996, followed by his masters as an Adult Nurse Practitioner in 1998. While working, he completed his post master's as a Family Nurse practitioner in 2005 from the University of Rochester. He continued to work in different nursing facilities in Rochester NY while studying for his Doctorate degree in Nursing Practice which he obtained in 2010 from Robert Morris University. He started working as a Nurse Practitioner at Pop HealthCare from April 2016 until the time of his death.

He got married to Florence Ndikum in 1998 and they were blessed with two wonderful sons, Nvayo Ndongwa, and Tensa Ndongwa. Unfortunately, the marriage dissolved in November 2020.

Nvayo describes his favorite memories as having his dad in attendance at his Track meets and marching band. They both enjoyed American football, and would sometimes watch the games together, other times gardening or grilling. His favorite vacation was the trip to Disney world. He recognized and admired his father's dedication to his work, stating that "Dad did everything he could to ensure that we have a good life...."

Tensa describes his dad as generally a good and "quiet man" who is dedicated to his family, community, and work. He recalls memories of them talking in the office "about life and everything" swimming in the pool at home, and going fishing. One of his best surprises he recalls, was seeing his dad at his football game after work, which was not expected at the time, and he appreciated it even more. Tensa remembers his father's dedication to his work, caring for others. Dad struggled and worked hard so we do not have to go through the same struggles in life.

Joe was a quiet man who was committed to his work, community, and family. He cared for his patients with diligence and compassion. He loved American football and was glued to the TV during the football season to watch his favorite team "The Buffalo Bills." He also loved gardening and fishing. He loved cooking and some of his favorite dishes that he was fond of cook himself were, 'fufu and Okro" and 'turning/porride plantain." He was a member and former president of the Cameroonian Association of Greater Rochester. He is predeceased by his parents Enock Nvayo, and Susana Lenkam, brother Jacob Ndongwa. He is survived by his two sons, Nvayo and Tensa Ndongwa, host of family, and friends to mourn him. His sudden and unexpected departure on August 12, 2022, has created a void in our hearts, but his legacy will live on through his sons.