In Memory of Joseph

Our family is saddened by the passing of Joseph, father of Kathy, father-in-law of Kevin and grandfather of Shanna and Kevin.

Joseph passed away on March 31st after a brief illness. He was 77.

"Skip," as he was fondly referred to by friends and family, served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, and was commended for saving the life of a pilot during a blinding snowstorm in Rome, N.Y. Skip retired from the Yonkers Police Department as a sergeant after 25 years of service. He was instrumental in developing the Yonkers Emergency Services Unit, where he served until his retirement in 1986.

He will be sincerely missed by all who knew and loved him.

Obituary:

PRESTON HOLLOW, N.Y. – Joseph “Skip” Como, 77, passed away on Thursday, March 31, 2011 at Albany Medical Center after a brief illness. Born in Yonkers on June 27, 1933, he was son of the late Frank and Pasqualena Rega Como. Skip was a graduate of Yonkers High School. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, and was commended for saving the life of a pilot during a blinding snowstorm in Rome, N.Y. Skip retired from the Yonkers Police Department as a sergeant after 25 years service. He received an Honorable Mention to a Medal of Citation, and received several Macy’s Medals for outstanding service. Skip was instrumental in developing, and was the first sergeant assigned to, the Emergency Services Unit. Following retirement in 1986, he and Dottie moved to Preston Hollow. Skip was a member of VFW Post 15033, the NYS Police & Firefighters Retiree Association, and the Northeast Wild Turkey Federation. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. Skip was a jack of all trades and master of all, and enjoyed helping people in any way he could. Skip is survived by his wife, Dorothy “Dottie” Como; two daughters, Patricia (Charles) Buttacavoli and Kathleen (Kevin) Murphy; five grandchildren, Jacqueline, Gina and Catherine Buttacavoli, Shanna and Kevin Murphy Jr; three brothers, Anthony, Alfred and Thomas Como; two sisters, Anna (Frank) Campana and Gina Pompilio; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. In addition to his parents, Skip was predeceased by two brothers, George and Francis Como.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Rensselaerville Ambulance, PO Box 182, Rensselaerville, NY 12147, or to the Tri-Village Volunteer Fire Company, Preston Hollow, NY 12469 will be appreciated. Light a candle at ajcunninghamfh.com.