Joseph R. Zampogna 1935-2026

He was born on October 13, 1935, in Pittsfield, Pennsylvania, to the late Gertrude Beardsley Snyder.

Joseph was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps. While stationed in California, he met the love of his life, Virginia, and brought her back home to New York. The two were married on November 21, 1956, and shared a lifetime of love, family, and memories until her passing on October 20, 2022.

Joseph worked at SKF for more than 40 years before retiring. After retirement, he and Virginia enjoyed becoming snowbirds, spending their winters in Florida. He was a member of Ross Mills Church of God.

Joseph loved people and was known for his friendly nature, his willingness to help others, and the joy he found in socializing with family and friends. A lifelong example of service and generosity, he donated more than 140 pints of blood to the American Red Cross. He especially enjoyed his weekly Wednesday and Friday dinners, golfing, and spending time with his family. He took great pride in watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren participate in their activities, and his love for his family was at the center of his life.

Joseph was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Virginia Zampogna; his son, Steven Zampogna; his infant daughter, Katherine Zampogna; and his sisters, Amy Burgess, Lucy Olson, and Rose Smith.

He is survived by his daughters, Becky Hallberg (Dan) and Terry Knapp (Rex); his grandchildren, Samantha Whippo (Levi), Staci Hoyos (Martin), Jennifer Martinez (Luis), Jeremy Knapp (Tricia), Mike Zampogna, and Matt Zampogna; and 13 great-grandchildren, Alina, Troy, and Reese Whippo, Nella and Charlie Hoyos, Gabe, Tristan, and Samuel Martinez, Mariah, Andrew, and Abby Knapp, Matt Zampogna, and Amara Olson; and his brother, Richard Zampogna.

Joseph will be remembered for his love of family, his kind and helpful spirit, his service to his country, and the many lives he touched throughout his 90 years.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, 2026 in the Falconer Funeral Home. Rev. Mark Lata will officiate. Burial will be in Pine Hill Cemetery.

Friends will be received by the family from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday in the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Ross Mills Church of God, 3843 Ross Mills Road, Falconer, NY 14733. Visit our website at www.falconerfuneralhome.net to send a message of condolence. Joe’s funeral service will be livestreamed on the funeral home website; click on Joe’s obituary, then click view livestream.