Joseph Carmine Cammisa

SOUTHWICK-Joseph “Joe” Carmine Cammisa, 80, passed away on Thursday, January 10, 2019, at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, MA.  

Joe was born on June 18, 1938, in Providence, Rhode Island to Giovanni and Rosina (Forgetta) Cammisa.  He attended Providence schools. 

Joe honorably served his country in the United States Marine Corps ranking as a Corporal.   Cpl. Joe Cammisa completed training in Airman School Class “P” and Aviation Machinist Mate Class “A” and earned a Good Conduct Medal.   During his service Cpl. Joe worked in Operation Plumbob, a series of nuclear test conducted at the Nevada Test Site.  The operation consisted of 29 explosions which is today one of the largest and longest test series in the continental United States.  Twenty-one laboratories and government agencies were involved. While most Operation Plumbob tests contributed to the development of warheads for intercontinental and intermediate range missiles, they also tested air defense and anti-submarine warheads. The operation included forty-three military effects tests on civil and military structures, radiation and bio-medical studies, and aircraft structural tests. Operation Plumbob had the tallest tower tests to date in the U.S. nuclear testing program as well as high-altitude balloon tests. One nuclear test involved the largest troop maneuver ever associated with U.S. nuclear testing. 

Before his retirement, Joe enjoyed many years of work with the Department of Public Works for the City of Southwick and most recently, the City of Westfield. Joe was an avid collector of antique toys, a hobby he enjoyed during his spare time.  He will be remembered for his outgoing personality and his friendly deminer, which was loved by everyone. 

Predeceased by his wife Elizabeth A. Cammisa in December 2017, his parents Giovanni and Rosina Cammisa, 2 grandchildren Matthew and Christina Cusson, his brother John Cammisa, and his sister Jeanette Martin, he is survived by his son Jason Cammisa of Southwick, MA, his brother Ralph Cammisa and his wife Beth of Southwick, MA, his grandchildren Nicholle and Alexis Cusson,  his step-sons Chris Cusson and his wife Karen of Westfield, MA and Billy Cusson of Westfield, MA, his sister-in-law Janice Cammisa of Southwick, MA, and his brother-in-law Clyde Martin of Southwick/Florida. 

Friends and Family are invited to meet for a committal service with military honors at 9:00 AM on Friday, January 18, 2019, at the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Agawam, MA 

Funeral services have been entrusted to Avalon Life Celebration Center & Cremation Services, LLC 691 College Hwy., Southwick, MA  To express condolences, share photos, or memories please visit Joe’s tribute wall at www.avaloncelebrations.com

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