Obituary of Joseph S. Papa

Colonie - Joseph S. Papa, 92, of Warmington St. died peacefully Wednesday, August 10, 2011 at his home. Born in Albany, Joseph lived his life in Colonie. He was a graduate of Roessleville High School in Colonie and was the Salutatorian of the Class of 1937. During World War II, he served in the Army Air Corps. Joseph worked for 37 years at the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, retiring in 1974. Always an entepreneur, Joseph and his brothers were some of the first developers of land in the Town of Clifton Park. He was a hard worker, building more than 50 homes in the Town of Colonie. He also operated " Papa Joe's" Construction Surplus in Corinth. Joseph also enjoyed golf, a sport he loved since beginning as a caddy at the Albany County Golf Course when he was a boy. Joseph was the husband of the late Christine Delduce Papa; father of Joseph S. Papa II of Colonie and Christopher M. Papa of Albany; grandfather of Kevin (Jennifer) Papa, Nicole (Michael) Westfall, Eric Papa and Victoria Papa; great-grandfather of Michael Westfall and Zachary, Sophie, Ben and Lucas Papa; brother of Anthony Papa, Mary (Victor) Ensslin, Tom Papa, Sam (Elaine) Papa, John Papa, Angelo (Marlene) Papa and the late Charles Papa and Frances Kingston; Nephew of Rosario (Rosa) Papa. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Funeral 8:30 Saturday morning from the Reilly & Son Funeral Home, Colonie and at 9:30 at St. Mary's Church, Lodge St., Albany. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Glenmont. Calling hours will be Friday from 4 - 8 p.m. in the funeral home.