In Memoriam

Joseph A. Sapienza, Sr, 94

April 18, 1927 – August 7, 2021

COOPERSTOWN – Joseph A. Sapienza, Sr passed away peacefully at age 94 on August 7, 2021 in Holy Spirit Hospital, Camp Hill, PA.  He was born in Cooperstown, NY on April 18, 1927. Joe was preceded in death by his parents; Santo and Santa Sapienza, brothers; Sam (Mary) and Jack (Rosie) Sapienza, sister; Jenny (Sam) Curcio and nephews and nieces Butch, Joey, Gloria, and Barbara. He is survived by his children Gail A. (John) Killeen and Joseph A. Sapienza, Jr, grandchildren; Keri (Kevin) Sapp, John T. (Heather) Killeen V, Marissa (Steven) Moeck and Christopher Sapienza, great-grandchildren; John T Killeen VI, Connor Killeen, Avery & Anna Sapp, Emma Rose & Stevie Moeck, nieces; Santa Morris, Gracie Barker, Sandy Fritch, Lucy Robertson, Mary Mullins, Sharon Curcio and many grand and great-grand nieces and nephews.

Joe served in the Air Force at the end of WW II. He was a photographer for high school and the surrounding local area. Retired from ABC Television Network, he had a long and fruitful career as a cameraman technician. He won five Emmys for 1976 Olympic games in Montreal, 1981 NY Marathon, 1984 Olympic games in Los Angeles, 1999 One Life to Live soap opera and the Indianapolis 500. His career included filming MLB baseball, NFL football, College football, Golf, Wide World of Sports events, Summer & Winter Olympics from 1968 thru 1984, News, Dick Cavett Show, Jimmy Dean Show, Joey Bishop Show, Inaugurations, Riots at Chicago Democratic Convention, the March to Selma and many more events. Avid photographer and DIYer if he thought it, he could do it. He also loved baseball and music. Friends and family enjoyed stories of his involvement in the world of baseball both as a player and photographer and loved when he shared his musical talents by playing the organ/piano/keyboard by ear. He will be missed.