To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

BOSTON, Mass. -- The man who served for decades as the spokesman for the New York State Fair has died.

Joe LaGuardia had been suffering from a rare blood disorder. He died early Monday at a hospital in Boston.

LaGuardia began his career as a newspaper reporter, but transitioned into his fair role and served in that job under five different fair directors. He was finally forced out during a change of directors in 2008. He went on to serve as director of Syracuse's Lakefront Development Corporation.

One of the men who worked most closely with LaGuardia says most people may never have known of his contributions to the community.

“Joe was one of the most giving, hard working, focused, caring people about his community that I know. He was so active in this community that people don't even know about. That's what Joe was about. He quietly did things behind the scenes. He's not only going to be tremendously missed by his family and friends, but he's going to be missed by this community,” said Peter Cappuccilli, a former State Fair Director.

Joe LaGuardia was 63.