Longtime Yonkers resident, Joseph A. Carmona, passed away surrounded by family on Saturday, September 7, 2024. He recently celebrated his 90th birthday, a true highlight of a life well lived full of courage, dedication, and generosity to all that knew him. Born in Harlem in 1934, Joe set his sights on big dreams and started his first job as a newspaper boy. In his late teens, he enlisted in the National Guard, followed by joining the NYPD in 1957. Countless newspaper articles detail his incredible work as a police officer, and later his work as a homicide detective in the Bronx Homicide Squad. Throughout his career, he also attended and received degrees and certifications from John Jay College, Columbia Pacific University, and Georgia Institute of Technology. Later in his career and after he retired from the NYPD, Joe continued to work in the security industry. Positions included: President of National & Overseas Security & Investigative Services with clients such as CBS Columbia Records, Key Foods, and the Continental Group; Manager of Conventions and Special Events at RCTV, The Entertainment Channel; Director of Security at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts; Consultant for Security, Safety, & Facility Operations; Vice President of Safety and Security for Polygram Group Distribution; and Vice President of
Security and Safety at Brooklyn Navy Yard. Throughout his lifetime, he worked both undercover and in private security detail for well-known celebrities and influential people, including The Beatles. His work took him around the world where he experienced many great adventures and was fluent in Spanish, Italian, French, German, and Portuguese. Once he retired from the Brooklyn Navy Yard, he actively worked on film sets as private security and as a driver for the stars, many times personally requested. In 2001, Joe was called back into active duty to assist with the aftermath of 9/11. During his years of service, he received many honors and awards including the USA Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, NYPD Commendation, 88 Precinct Community and Youth Council Outstanding Community Service & Leadership Award, and the 1974 Annual Police Award amongst others. As proud as he was of his longtime service, he was even more proud of his family. After pursuing his wife, Rachel, as teenagers, they were married in 1953, and celebrated the birth of their only daughter, Donna Rose, in 1954. In between his long shifts, he loved family outings to the zoo, Broadway shows, and trips to the Catskills. He loved cooking for his family, especially dishes like his famous Paella. He and his wife hosted many dinner parties, always opening their home to friends and family. In 1989, his one and only grandchild was born, and he spoiled her as much as he could. In 2021, he witnessed his granddaughter's wedding and danced his heart out. He was an avid opera lover, enjoyed golfing with friends, and played professional hockey for 4 years in the now defunct Quebec Canadian League. Fond memories include trips to movie sets, vacations, holiday dinners with family, and his incredible stories which his family will continue to tell with his enthusiasm. Joseph leaves behind his wife of 71 years, Rachel, his daughter Donna Bartunek,
granddaughter Rachel Anne Bartunek (Jeremy Ackerman), sister-in-law Angelina Tedesco, nieces Judith Tedesco, Jacqueline Savage, Valarie Seger, and more, plus many incredible friends that are like family. He is joining cherished members of the family including his son-in-law, William F. Bartunek, brother-in-law, James Tedesco, sister-in-law Elizabeth Cancel, and his siblings, Manny, Louis, Ellie, and Jennie.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday September 12th in Sacred Heart Church at 10am. An Entombment will follow at Ferncliff Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
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