Joseph Benedict Pompa born on Novembver 5, 1933. He was the father of three daughters and one son. As the son of a large Italian family. Joseph's mother, Sylvia Ferrara Di Andrea (Pompa) of Corato, Italy and father Nicola Pompa Di Gennaro of Naples, Italy married 1920. Sylvia would affectionately tease Joseph calling him "the Americano" due to his preference for American cuisine.

Joseph was a kind and loving man. Despite sometimes holding strong opinions - some that could occasionally defy conventional logic - he always allowed others the freedom to hold their own views without judgment.

A 1955 graduate of the University of Rochester with a degree in mechanical engineering, Joseph Pompa was one of the few members of his large family to attend college. His training and love for mechanical engineering shaped the way he approached life's many challenges: he was always analyzing problems, thinking critically, and formulating solutions.

After college Joseph initially worked for the Northrup Corporation in Los Angeles and proudly helped design parts for the Apollo space program's Saturn V booster rockets and for American Airlines. During his military service he worked in the chemical warfare department at Fort Dix where he received the good conduct medal. Later he worked with Mattel in Florida designing Star Wars toys.

While his daughter Mary and his son Christopher came to know him later in life, the gentleness, unconditional love, and acceptance he showed them shone brightly. Joseph is survived by his children; Mary, Christopher, Judy and Renee.

Early in life, Joseph developed a passion for golf and for designing golf clubs. He held at least four patents for golf club designs. Even in his later years, he continued designing and self-manufacturing new golf club concepts. His original patent eventually expired and was later used by a major golf company, something he took quiet pride in.

Joseph pursued his interests and passions without concern for financial gain or notoriety. Instead, he embraced the intellectual process itself - the joy of thinking, creating, and solving problems.

He returned to upstate New York, living among the Finger Lakes region that he so loved. He remained physically and mentally active and lived independently throughout his 92 years. Joseph passed peacefully in his home and believed in a higher power. His long life and peaceful passing are blessings to him and all of us who loved him.