Lt. Col. Joseph J. Ciampa Ret. formerly of 48 Snowhill St., Boston’s North End, died at home, surrounded by his family on Cape Cod. Joe transitioned on Jan. 7th afer a short battle with cancer. He is survived by his loving wife Mary of 57 years and five children, John, Donna, Michelle, Deena and Joe Jr., along with his fifteen grandchildren. He is also survived by brother John Ciampa of Coral Gables, FLA and sister Maria (Pidg) Ciampa of the North End.
Colonel Ciampa attended Northeastern University where he was a finalist in the 1955 Olympic Javelin Trials. He then went on to serve 21 years in the United States Air Force as a Master Navigator with the Strategic Air Command. In 1957 Col. Ciampa was the lead navigator in a mission refueling a B-52 that circumnavigated the globe nonstop, for the first time in history. He served several tours in Vietnam and, after retiring from the Air Force he received two Masters Degrees in Education. The Colonel taught Aerospace Science courses in the ROTC program at Quincy’s two high schools for 20 years. This “patriot” wore many hats as a teacher, mentor and coach to his children, grandchildren and many cadets that attended the Quincy and North Quincy ROTC programs. Thank you for your service and dedication to country & family!
Services: Nickerson Funeral Home, Bourne, MA , Visiting Hours – 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 11th, Mass @ St. John’s Church, Monument Beach/Bourne – 11:00 a.m. followed by Military Intonement @ National Cemetery in Bourne, MA on Thursday, Jan. 12th.
LTC Ciampa was a great leader, mentor and friend to me. He helped guide my life when there was no one else. He was very good to me. I am retired military now because of his words. Thank you Sir.
lt.col ciampa was one hell of a teacher and mentor,.{ charles h quincy high school class 1984 } thank you colonel you tought me well r.i. p.
Thank you Sir!
SFC Steve Foster NQHS Class of 84
THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR KIND COMMENTS ABOUT THE COLONEL.
Maria Ciampa
Colonel Ciampa’s Sister