Joseph Lupo Sr., 79, passed away peacefully in the loving arms of his wife Madeline.

Joseph was born in Jersey City, N.J., to John L. Lupo Sr. and Marie Napolitano Lupo. His family moved to Tucson, Ariz. in 1950. He met his only true love Madeline in 1951. Joe spent four years in the United States Air Force, receiving the National Service Award and upon his discharge worked for 28 years for the federal government at Davis Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Ariz. He retired in 1978 and moved to Albany in 2001.

Part of his duties were numerous charity ventures under his guidance with the federal government. His favorite was the original Immigration Acclimation Program of South Vietnam refugees in the 1970s. At the height of his career, Joe was the Supervisor of 1,200 employees with the Strategic Air Command - Storage and Maintenance Sector at Davis Monthan Air Force Base.

He married Madeline Renaud in Tucson, Ariz. on Nov. 7, 1953. They have four children: Joseph Lupo Jr., Denise Edminster, Kathryn Cole and James P. Lupo. He is also survived by his two brothers John L. Lupo and Daniel V. Lupo of Tucson, Ariz.; eight grandchildren, Jennifer Socia, Tara Lea Socia, Charles Cole Jr., Joseph Lupo III, Michael Lupo, Paul Edminster, Michele Santoya and Sarah Edminster, seven great-grandchildren; two sons-in-law, Craig Edminster and Charles Dan Cole; two daughters-in-law JoAnna Lupo and Brenda Sterner Lupo; and his wonderful sister-in-law, Jeanine Sanders, who was with the family for the past two months to help care for Joe.

Joe was the ultimate family man. Their home was open to everyone. He was always involved in his children's sports activities. Their home was well remembered for numerous and joyous family gatherings. His passion was for sports and he served with University of Arizona for over 20 years in the football, basketball and baseball teams. He still is asked about to this day by many of those players and coaches whose lives he touched.

Joe and Madeline celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Nov. 7, 2003, in Albany and would have celebrated their 57th this November. They attended St. Mary's Parish in Albany. Joe succumbed to Alzheimers and the N.A.S.H. liver disease. He fought the good fight and is now with his true Father in Heaven.

Joe will be buried in Tucson, Ariz. Arrangements are pending with Bring Funeral Home.

A memorial service will be scheduled for his friends and family in Albany, at a date to be announced.

At Madeline's request, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your favorite charity on behalf of Joseph Lupo, Sr.

Transfer arrangements are being made with AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home ( www.aasum-dufour.com ).