Obituary of Joseph Vacca DR

Dr. Joseph G. Vacca III, 66, of Niskayuna, passed away on Friday, October 1, 2010, at New York Presbyterian Medical Center's-Columbia Transplant Center, after a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Born in Kingston, January 22, 1944, while his father was serving overseas during World War II, he was the eldest son of the late Dr. Joseph G. Vacca II, and the late Helen Martin Vacca, both of Schenectady. Joseph was a graduate of Bishop Gibbons High School where he was a member of the varsity cross-country team and the varsity basketball team. He received his bachelor of science degree in biology from St. Michael's College, where he played college varsity basketball, and he received his master's and PhD. from The State University of New York at Albany. He conducted postdoctoral studies at Boston University School of Medicine on a NIH Research Fellowship and at Beth Israel Hospital-Harvard University Medical School. He was a member of the Electron Microscopy Society of America. He began his career as a manager in the Material Science and Engineering sector at GE R&D Center in Niskayuna and then at GE's Medical Systems Division in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Most recently he was employed as director of marketing, Survivor Support for The AYCO Company, L.P. of Albany. He is survived by his wife, Gayle Buffa Vacca of Niskayuna; his children, Kimberly Bachta (Jeff) of Brunswick, William J. Vacca of Niskayuna, Joseph D. Vacca (Marianne) of Canton, CT, and Kathleen Shumpert of Clifton Park; his grandchildren, Ava Bachta, Lindsay and Morgan Vacca, Madison and Jeremy Shumpert, and Madisyn Bachta; siblings, Dr. William M. Vacca (Holly) of Niskayuna, Maryellen Vacca Cline of Schenectady, and his nephew, Trevor C. Cline of Schenectady. Joseph was a member of the local Schenectady Road Runners running club, a volunteer coach and mentor for a locally based Kenyon Marathon Running team and a 10 time New York City Marathon runner himself, achieving a personal best of 2:59:02 in November of 1981. He was active as a coach in local youth baseball for both Northside Little League of Schenectady and Niskayuna Babe Ruth. He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, an active volunteer and NYS certified counselor for The Father Young FYHIT Program of Schenectady, and a Harley Davidson Motorcycle Enthusiast. One of his favorite activities as a retiree was meeting regularly with his many friends and family members at The Station Diner, where he regularly shared his favorite stories and his very best jokes. He'll be remembered best for his warm smile, his great enthusiasm for life and his uniquely positive attitude. A Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, October 7 at St. John the Evangelist Church in Schenectady. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to remember Joe may make a contribution to The Lung Transplant Program at NY Presbyterian Medical Center-Columbia at 622 W.168th St. PH14, Room 104, New York, NY 10023 or The Peter G. Young Treatment Program at 428 Duane Ave., Schenectady, NY 12304. Arrangements by the Daly Funeral Home, Inc., 242 McClellan St., Schenectady.