Joseph A. Codispoti USAF SMSGT 1953 - 1979

Joseph Albert Codispoti was born Giuseppe Umberto Maria Codispoti on October 27, 1933 in the village of Sant’ Andrea Apostolo d’Ionio, Catanzaro  Province, Calabria, Italy. He immigrated with his family to the United States through Ellis Island in 1938, eventually settling in Bolivar, New York. He graduated from Bolivar High School in 1951, where he lettered in several sports and was a member of the All-State Chorus.

Joe enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1953, serving in Korea, Massachusetts, New York, Labrador, Canada, and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. He earned the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and numerous other medals and awards during his 26-1/2 years of exemplary service to his country. After retiring from the Air Force in September 1979, Joe transitioned to Kaman Aerospace Company, where he provided financial and administrative support to the Naval Research Laboratory and to his company. After suffering acute kidney failure in August 1986, his life was extended nearly 20 years with a kidney donated by his son, John, in 1987—clear evidence of the love he modeled and inspired in his family. Joe was an avid golfer and bowler, as well as a devoted fan of the New York Yankees and Notre Dame football. But his family was the clear priority of his life. His trademark beaming smile and hardy laugh are remembered with great fondness and deeply missed by all who knew him. Joe was survived by his devoted wife of 49 years. Nancy; four children, Colonel Joseph M. Codispoti and his wife Janice of O’Fallon, Illinois; John E. Codispoti and his wife Lorie of Milton, North Carolina; Steven J. Codispoti and his wife Pam of Fredericksburg; and Susan E. Hawes and her husband Andy of Nashville, Tennessee; and brothers Jerry of Bolivar, New York, James of Rye, New York, and Robert of Alfred-Almond, New York. He was the proud grandfather of eight adoring grandchildren—Joshua, Amber, Steven, Jennifer, Danielle, Laura, Henry, and Calvin.