Haddonfield Couple Spurs Effort To Honor Longtime Business Owner

SEWELL, NJ — The efforts of a Haddonfield couple to honor the life, legacy and spirit of a Vineland family business owner who died of pancreatic cancer has become a reality.

The welcome lobby at the Medical Oncology & Infusion Center at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center – Washington Township was recently dedicated in memory of the late Ronald “Ronnie” Dandrea, Jefferson Health officials announced.

Dandrea passed away in April 2020 from pancreatic cancer at age 58. Lifelong friends Daniel and Lisa Falasca of Haddonfield, NJ, wanted to honor his life and legacy, and carry on his charitable spirit with a generous gift to Jefferson Health – New Jersey.

“We chose to honor Ronnie’s legacy as a reminder to those who are battling cancer. Each time a patient walks through the front doors, we hope that seeing his name will be the strength they need to fight as hard as he did,” Dan Falasca said.

Dandrea was co-owner of Dandrea Produce in Vineland, a family-owned business established in 1917.

“Philanthropy is part of healing,” Jefferson Health Foundation – New Jersey Associate Vice President Larry Slagle said. “The investment from Daniel and Lisa toward innovative, courageous, and solution-oriented advancements in cancer care touches not only their family and friends in the healing process, but the community as well. I can’t thank them enough for putting their trust in us.”

Ronnie’s widow Sandi says, “My family and I are extremely grateful and blessed to have friends like Dan and Lisa Falasca, and now we also have the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center in our area, providing for those who are fighting cancer,” Ronnie’s widow Sandi said.

The Medical Oncology Infusion Suite is a $7-plus million, 10,500 square-foot facility that offers chemotherapy, immunotherapy, cancer risk assessment, genetic counseling and supportive services. Along with 16 infusion bays, the Suite provides services not available in a physician’s office, including an onsite Laboratory and Pharmacy.