Syracuse, NY - The amusement park industry has lost one of its legends with the passing of Joe LaGuardia. LaGuardia is most known for serving on the New York State Fair in Syracuse for 32 years. He was 63 years old.

LaGuardia was famous for booking acts for the show such as concerts as well as handling publicity and advertising according to Syracuse.com. In an interview posted by Amusement Today Bonnie Brocious, a colleague of LaGuardia, said, "He brought huge acts to fairs, like Frank Sinatra — acts that normally didn’t book into fairs. He broke through and booked shows into grandstands that normally didn’t go there, like music festivals. And, he wanted to take care of his talent... Joe was very respected in this position."

By others he has been called "the single all-time most valuable asset the Fair will ever have."

LaGuardia's death was caused by amyloidosis, a rare blood disorder. According to Syracuse.com he was diagnosed with this disorder last October. Amyloidosis currently has no known cure, but treatments are available that allow sufferers to live somewhat normally. LaGuardia began chemotherapy and received a stem cell transplant in March. However, things went down hill as he developed infections. Eventually he slipped into a coma while receiving treatment at Boston Medical Center before his passing.

According to VenuesToday more than 1,200 people attended LaGuardia’s wake. This speaks volumes as to how respected LaGuardia was within the industry.