Beloved Actor and Musician Joe Negri Passes Away at 99

Joe Negri, an actor and musician celebrated for his decades-long role as Handyman Negri on the iconic children’s program Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, has died at the age of 99. Negri passed away on Saturday, just days before his 100th birthday on June 10.

His eldest daughter, Lisa Negri, confirmed that her father died of natural causes. Negri was a familiar face on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, appearing in 331 episodes from the show’s inception in 1968 until its conclusion in 2001. His character, Handyman Negri, allowed him to seamlessly blend his real-life passion for music with his television work.

A Life Dedicated to Music and Education

Beyond his television persona, Negri was an accomplished jazz guitarist. He owned and operated Negri’s Music Shop, a venue where he frequently hosted guitar performances that were sometimes shared with Fred Rogers and the show’s audience. His commitment to nurturing musical talent extended into academia.

For many years, Negri served as an adjunct professor at both the University of Pittsburgh and Duquesne University, where he shared his expertise with numerous students. He was instrumental in founding Duquesne University’s jazz guitar program. Negri continued his teaching career well into his 90s, retiring from Duquesne University in 2022. He had previously retired from the University of Pittsburgh three years prior, marking nearly five decades of dedication to higher education.