Obituary of Joseph R. Decaminada

Joseph Rocco Decaminada, Esq., age 65, of Goldens Bridge, New York, died Wednesday, December 25, 2024 at Northern Westchester Hospital.

Joseph was born on June 6, 1959 in Astoria, Queens to Joseph Pio and Genevieve Decaminada. His father Joseph Pio was born in Gebo, Wyoming in 1935 and died in 2010. His mother Genevieve was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1937 and currently resides in Somers, New York. Joseph was raised in Brooklyn, New York, until his family moved to Scarsdale, New York at the age of 16. He later moved to Goldens Bridge, New York to start a family. He remained in Goldens Bridge until his death.  

Joseph received a Jesuit education and kept a strong Catholic faith throughout his life. He attended Fordham Preparatory School in The Bronx, before going on to receive his undergraduate education at Boston College in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. After graduating from Boston College, Joseph received his Juris Doctor from Creighton University, School of Law in Omaha, Nebraska. When people would ask him about his time in Omaha, he would jokingly say: “You mean Omaha, Alaska? It is not the end of the world, but you could see it from there.” Upon returning to New York, Joseph passed the Bar exam and began a prolific career as an attorney and Insurance Executive. After working as an Associate Attorney at a New York City law firm, he accepted a role in AIG’s Claims Department where he would eventually become an esteemed Executive. He retired from AIG in September 2021, after making countless memories and friendships that he cherished until his death.

Joseph was an avid fan of hockey, the New York Yankees, the Cincinnati Bengals, and Bruce Springsteen. He played hockey throughout his youth, and eventually went on to play goalie at Boston College. He was a Yankee season ticket holder from 1989 until his death. Joseph’s favorite players were Thurman Munson and Richard “Goose” Gossage. He was fortunate enough to witness nine world series championships and lucky enough to be in attendance for countless memorable moments with his favorite baseball team. The highlights include: Game 6 of the 1977 World Series, where Reggie Jackson hit three home runs and was dubbed “Mr. October” (October 18, 1977); the 1978 AL East playoff game at Fenway Park, where Bucky Dent hit a go-ahead homerun in the 7^th inning (October 2, 1978); David Wells’ perfect game (May 17, 1998); Aaron Boone’s walk off homerun in Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS against Boston (October 16, 2003); Derek Jeter passing Lou Gehrig for most hits as a Yankee (September 11, 2009); Game 2 of the 2009 ALDS (October 9, 2009); and Game 2 of the 2009 ALCS (October 17, 2009). Joseph attended his last Yankee game on September 13, 2024, when he and his son witnessed Aaron Judge hit a go-ahead grand slam against Boston in the 7^th inning (leaving just enough time to beat the traffic). Unfortunately, Joseph did not get to witness similar success with his favorite football team, the Cincinnati Bengals. However, as the only Cincinnati Bengals fan from Brooklyn, New York, his faith remained ever strong and he proudly passed along his fandom to his two sons. An impressively articulate man, Joseph understood that some of life’s most important lessons were better taught by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. His favorite songs included “No Surrender,” “Badlands,” and “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out.”

Joseph leaves a legacy that will never be forgotten. Despite his professional accomplishments, Joseph was a humble man who led by example. He was a faithful son, a devoted husband, a beloved father and a treasured friend. He is survived by his wife Eileen Susan of Goldens Bridge, New York, his son Joseph Daniel of Stamford, Connecticut, his daughter Amanda R. of Goldens Bridge, New York, his son Eric Charles of Brooklyn, New York, and his mother Genevieve M. of Somers, New York. He is also survived by countless aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends. Joseph’s first-born daughter, Chelsea Marie, tragically passed away in 2019. Through Joseph’s death, he will be reunited with his cherished daughter and his beloved father once again.

Friends and family may call at Clark Associates Funeral Home, 4 Woods Bridge Road, Katonah, New York on January 2, 2025 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. Thel Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Joseph Catholic Church, 95 Plum Brook Road, Somers, New York on January 3, 2025 at 10:00am.

Burial will follow at St Josephs Cemetery, Somers

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to this link in support of Joseph Decaminada's daughter, Chelsea Decaminada. Type "Chelsea Decaminada" into the search bar, once you click on the above link, so that the donations are made to her fund.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Chelsea Decaminada Memorial Duke Engage Fellowship at: https://dukeengage.duke.edu/decaminada-fellowship/.