The University of Pittsburgh Department of Music mourns the passing of Joe Negri, who shared his wisdom and passion with generations of Pitt students for close to 50 years. His influence on our department and in our city's art life is immeasurable, and he was one of the founding pillars of jazz education in our city.

He was a joy to be around and was beloved by students and colleagues alike. Joe's excellence as a guitarist and educator can be overshadowed by his role as Handyman Joe on Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. In fact, Joe was a television pioneer with regular performances dating back to 1954. For twenty years he was music director at WTAE-TV.

Prof. John Maione, who was his student and later his successor at the Music Department, writes:

I count myself to be one of the fortunate ones to have had him in my life. A kinder, nicer person I have never met. As guitarist and MCG Jazz Head, Marty Ashby said in a recent interview, "Joe has forgotten more about playing the guitar than I'll ever know." Yet Mr. Negri was so humble, real. A tangible joy permeates everything  he plays - one can feel it, always. I am eternally grateful to him for all he has done for me. I love the man.

He is the one who established Jazz Guitar and helped establish general Jazz Music on the University level at Pitt, Duquesne, and CMU. His virtuosity on the instrument, general musicianship, and powerful reputation could not be ignored by those unsure if Jazz Studies, Jazz Guitar Studies in particular, had a place in university academia. We owe him a forever debt of gratitude for this, and all of us who came and will come after stand on his immense shoulders.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Joe's family, friends, former students, and all those whose lives were touched by his remarkable gifts. His music and spirit will continue to resonate for generations to come.