TROY -

Joseph B. Fama, beloved husband to Barbara, father to Katherine, grandfather to Hannah, older brother to Arlene and Phil, passed away after a long, brave battle with cancer in January of this year. He leaves a legacy of community revitalization, a lifetime of service to Troy’s neighborhoods, and a family and friends who miss him desperately.

Joe was born in Flushing, Queens in 1948 to Helen J. and Philip Raymond Fama Sr. It was in Queens where his lifelong devotion to the New York Yankees was nurtured. He attended Regis High School in New York before studying architecture at Rensselaer, where he met his wife Barbara on a blind date. He spent his work life at the Troy Architectural Program, where he served as the longtime Executive Director with Barbara as his CFO. After retirement, Joe wrote about Troy’s architectural history and served as a Trustee for the Howard and Bush Foundation.

Joe’s girls were his sun, moon, and stars. Joe was a devoted father to Kate, who shares his love of drawing, gardening, and local architectural histories. “Grampa” found deepest joy in telling stories to and playing with his granddaughter Hannah and in a lifetime with Barbara, who was his partner in every part of his life for 59 years. He is so deeply missed and celebrated.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Howard and Bush Foundation (howardandbush.org), which does so much for local charities and nonprofits.

A celebration of Joe’s life will be held this spring and all are welcome. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family, online at: TheRiverviewFuneralHome.com