Joseph John Famularo, 92, of West Palm Beach, FL passed away Wednesday, May 27 2015 in Danbury Hospital in CT at midnight.
Joe was born May 29, 1922 in New York City to Angela Cerabone and Joseph Anthony Famularo. His long-time friend, Bernard H. Kinzer, predeceased him on July 30, 2012.
Joe attended NYC public schools, the University of Kentucky (BA), and Columbia University (MA). In 1946, after 4 years in military service as an Air Force Cadet Trainee during World War II, he spent 1 year in Geneva, Switzerland at the School for International Studies visiting Italy, England, and France. He worked at The New York Times, 8 years at Revlon in NYC , at Columbia Engineering in NYC’s corporate offices , and at McGraw-Hill for 25 years, where he was the youngest Vice-President and youngest Senior Vice President appointed at that time. He authored several books on management and, after retirement from the business world, soon became known as a prolific food writer. He published 12 books on food, 4 of which received James Beard Awards and awards from IACP and IRDA.
His writings appeared in The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, and most magazines and newspapers devoted to food. He was president of the Board of Trustees of Hartley House, a community center on New York’s west side for over 25 years, a member of the Perly Fund Foundation for 20 years. Joe lived in NYC, Pawling, NY, and in Key West and West Palm Beach, FL, for the last 30 years.
Joe’s loves were his family, friends, faith and country. He was known for his wit, loyalty, kindness, humor and charm. Always ready to assist those in need, he quietly gave support to many. He liked people who showed initiative and willingness to assume responsibility.
He is survived by his youngest sister, Louise Famularo Imperiale (John) of New Milford CT, many nieces and nephews, and his “adopted family” Cristopher and Sheila Laus and their daughters Keeshia and Chiara, who cared for Joe with tender loving care for many years.
“You have been like a father to me in so many ways. You have taught me to be a man. You have given me support, care and love. You would have been a great father. Thanks for sharing your life with us.” Cristopher and family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM on Monday, June 1, 2015 at St. John’s Church, Pawling, NY. Joe will be buried in the Old Quaker Hill Cemetery in Pawling.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hartley House, 413 West 46 Street, NY, NY 10036 or to Historical Society of Quaker Hill and Pawling, 126 East Main Street, Pawling, NY 12564.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Horn & Thomes, Inc. Funeral Home, 83 East Main Street, Pawling, NY. For directions or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.hornandthomesfuneralhome.com.
