Obituary of Joseph Albert Camillo

NISKAYUNA- Joseph Albert Camillo, 82, of Niskayuna, New York, died peacefully on Friday July 1, 2022, at the Ellis Residential & Rehabilitation Center. He was the beloved husband of Joan (Guaspari) Camillo with whom he shared 54 years of marriage. Joseph was born on May 12, 1940, in Sayre, PA. He was the son of the late Armando and Louise (Pace) Camilo. He attended Cortland High School prior to enlisting in the United States Army in 1958. Joseph was stationed at the Fort Belvoir Army Base in Fairfax, Virginia and became a member of the Fort Belvoir basketball team. He was a true Patriot, demonstrating American pride and loyalty by flying the American flag on his property throughout his lifetime. Joseph received an honorable discharge from the military in 1965 and began employment at the Coca-Cola company in sales and delivery. During his time servicing various areas on his route, he began collecting Coca-Cola antiques and memorabilia. He was passionate about the process of building his Coca-Cola collection for several years of his life. Joseph proudly drove a Chevrolet Bel Air convertible and enjoyed socializing with friends at Cortland State University. He married his best friend’s sister, and the two couples were the closest of friends as they were family. In 1972, Joseph was promoted to Coca-Cola corporation sales and marketing research and transferred to Albany, NY. Joseph worked in the beverage industry until his retirement. Joseph was a devoted Catholic and a strong man of faith. He was an active member of the Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Parish where he and his wife enjoyed coordinating Coffee & Donuts following Sunday mass and volunteering with the SiCM Summer Lunch Program. He was a passionate New York Yankees fan and he followed Syracuse University sports season after season. An avid runner, Joseph ran in numerous local road races and was especially proud of his run in the 1984 Boston Marathon. When unable to run, Joseph began walking each day with his friends. Joseph was a natural athlete who strived to be active most days of his life. Joseph’s greatest joy was the many friendships he established throughout his lifetime. His closest friends eventually came to feel like his family. He enjoyed nearly 50 years of friendship with Richard and Ann Wyles, Paul and Ann Stephens, Linda and the late Vincent Riley, Marian and the late Hutch Tibbetts, James and the late Francine Seaman, and numerous other amazing friends throughout the years. They were with him, providing friendship and support, during the last days of his life. In addition to his wife, Joseph leaves his daughter Kimberly (Camillo) and her husband Daniel Reid and his daughter Jill Camillo; his beloved grandchildren Ryan and Trevor Reid, Jude Camillo and Lena Furst; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Janet (Guaspari) and Dennis Stratton; and several wonderful cousins. Cremation took place through the care of Simple Choices, Inc. A celebration of Joseph’s life will be scheduled at a later date. Memorial donations may be made in Joseph’s name to the Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Parish, 2216 Rosa Road, Schenectady, NY 12309 or Saint Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org) To leave a special message for the family, please visit: SimpleChoicesCremation.com