Joseph Adamo

Tuesday, May 28th, 1918 – Tuesday, April 16th, 2024

Joseph was born in Manhattan, NY on May 28, 1918, to Italian immigrant parents, Francesco Adamo and Martha Florio. During his lifetime he witnessed over a century of changes in the world. In the early 1920s, his father purchased a home in the Bronx, and the family moved from the city to where the streets were still unpaved. There his father had his own business delivering ice, and after school, Joseph often worked with his father on his horse-drawn wagon. As a young boy, he learned how to drive a truck by working with his father, and he continued driving until the age of 104. Joseph graduated from DeWitt Clinton High School in 1936. Upon graduation, he became a Buyer for Park Hill Auto Parts in the Bronx until he was drafted into the army in 1941. During World War II Joseph served in the Pacific Theater as a Sergeant in the army earning medals for his sharp shooting prowess. While stationed in Hawaii, he refused to perform a stunt during a cavalcade for General MacArthur resulting in a demotion to Private. This latter decision was a perfect example of the life he led – one of quiet dignity and integrity. In 2019 Joseph was honored as the first recipient of the Putnam County Veteran’s Medal for his service to our country.

After the war Joseph found the love of his life in the girl next door, Rose DePalma. They married in 1950 and enjoyed 73 great years of marriage with their four children, Frank, Robert, Michael and Judith. In 1957 the family moved from the Bronx to Commack, Long Island, and again in 1964 the family moved to Yonkers, NY, where Joseph and Rose lived for 43 years before moving to Brewster, NY.

In 1953 Joseph founded the Arnow Automotive Service & Diagnostic Center in the Bronx. The business thrived, and he retired at the age of 68. He then worked for Midway Limousines until the age of 80. In 1999, at the age of 81, he became interested in computers and attended classes until 2006. He never stopped learning.

Joseph loved to travel and led his family on multiple cross-country treks exploring almost every state in this country. He later visited other parts of the world with friends. He loved to dance, and every weekend he and Rose were on the dance floor at The Safari in Queens or at one of their other favorite spots in the Bronx or Westchester. It would be unjust not to mention that he could repair or build anything. He was a tireless, self-less worker, and was always there for his family to help or to rescue you when called.

He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Rose DePalma Adamo; his four children, Frank and his wife Marianne, Robert and his wife Elizabeth, Michael and his predeceased wife Carolann, Judith and her husband Paul; five grandchildren, Michael, Anthony, Joseph, Charles and Robert; three great grandchildren, Ethin, Elizabeth and Josephine. He was predeceased by his beloved sister, Angelina Caldararo.

Visitation