A New Jersey nursing home administrator who tested positive for the coronavirus has died, according to an association for health care management.

John Cofrancesco, 52, of Bergenfield, was the administrator at Family of Caring in Montclair, according to its website. A patient who also tested positive for COVID-19 died there last week after a visitor brought the virus into the facility, a spokesman has said. The nursing home received test kits from a private lab to swab any residents showing symptoms.

Cofrancesco died Thursday after testing positive for COVID-19, the American College of Health Care Administrators said in an online post about its former member.

Previously, Cofrancesco was the administrator at the West Caldwell Care Center for 21 years until he left the facility two years ago.

“We grieve with our colleagues in NJ for the loss of one of our own. Thank you for your service to the profession of Long Term Care Administration,” the statement reads.

In a video on Family of Caring at Montclair’s website, Cofrancesco spoke about his passion for health care that spanned over two decades.

“What keeps me going everyday is making a difference in people’s lives and having a positive impact," he said.

State Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli on Friday confirmed a 52-year-old from Bergen County had died from the virus, one of 16 total fatalities in New Jersey. The state has not been identifying those who died.

State officials have raised concerns about the quick spread of the coronavirus among the vulnerable, elderly populations in long-term care facilities like nursing homes.

Born in Paterson and raised in Elmwood Park, Cofrancesco earned his degree from Rutgers University, according to his obituary.

“He dedicated his life to helping older adults as an administrator for nursing facilities,” the obituary reads.

Editor’s note: This post has been updated to correct the dates of his employment.

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