HUGO J. GIAMMARCO Cornwall, N.Y. Hugo J. Giammarco, 78, husband of Josephine (Ventimiglia) Giammarco, passed away after his valiant struggle with cancer on Thursday, August 5, 2004.

He was born June 2, 1926 in Newburgh, NY to the late Nicholas and Maria Giammarco.

He was blessed with a full and wonderful life. He was a community leader, coach, youth advocate, soldier, father and husband- his focus in life was his family. He and his wife owned Oxford Sporting Goods in New Windsor for many years, and for the last several years, he worked with Bill Ferro for Circle Products. He was awarded the Jaycees Distinguished Service Award in 1980 and was named non-member Man of the Year by the Elks in 1975 and by the New Windsor Optimists in 1977. He was a graduate of NFA, where he lettered in three sports. He went to Duquesne University on a football grant and later attended the University of Mississippi. He played pro football for four years in the Eastern League and was the business manager for a semi-pro baseball team for five years. He was a WWII Veteran, serving the Army Combat Engineers. He was a parishioner, lector and former member of the Holy Name Society of St. Francis of Assisi Church, Newburgh.

He served as Chairman of the family-oriented Communion Breakfasts for many years. He was a founder, past president and member of the board of directors of the Newburgh area Pop Warner Football League and the NFA Booster Club; a former member of the New Windsor Recreation Commission; a member of the Elks Club; VFW Post 1161; and the American Legion. He was Chairman of the Crestview Commission (he was a leading force in acquiring, maintaining and improving the Crestview facility), and was involved in many youth athletic programs. He spent many years coaching Pop Warner Football as well.

Hugo is survived by his wife, Josephine Giammarco; four children: Marie De Rico of Chester, VA, Joseph Giammarco (Claire) of Menlo Park, CA, Donna Farquhar (Robert) of Lexington, KY and Michael Giammarco (Debbie) of Winter Haven, FL.

Hugo has eight grandchildren: Anne, Joseph, Jonathan, Steven, Christina, Lauren, Alicia and Tyler; and one great-grandchild.

He is also survived by one brother, Ettore (Jeanne) Giammarco.

Other survivors include 17 nieces and nephews and their families. His oldest brother, Dante Giammarco, preceded him in death.

He will miss his "Breakfast Brigade" very much, and hoped that they will continue their weekly tradition.

A special thank you to the relatives and close friends who were with him these last months, weeks and days. Visitation at Brooks-DiDonato Funeral Home, 481 Gidney Ave. from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday August 8.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday August 9 at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 145 Benkard Ave., Newburgh.

Hugo will be interred at the Calvary Cemetery, Newburgh, NY. Contributions can be made in Hugo's name to the American Cancer Society or NFA Booster Club. Funeral arrangements by Brooks-DiDonato Funeral Home. To send a personal condolence or for directions visit Brooks-DiDonato.com.