Departures of note

Joseph Harold Negri was born on June 10, 1926, and began performing on radio at the age of three, playing ukulele and singing. He turned professional in his teens, toured nationally in the 1940s, and served in the U.S. Army during World War II before returning to a vibrant music scene in Pittsburgh.

Negri became a pioneering jazz guitar educator, teaching for nearly five decades at the University of Pittsburgh, Duquesne University, and Carnegie Mellon University. He helped establish jazz guitar as a formal discipline in higher education and mentored numerous students, including guitarist Ralph Patt.

In addition to his academic work, Negri was a familiar face on television, appearing as himself and as the beloved "Handyman Negri" in the Neighborhood of Make‑Believe segments of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood for almost four decades. He also contributed music to various TV programs and recorded several albums throughout his career.

Joe Negri died on May 30, 2026, at the age of 99, leaving a legacy as a celebrated musician, teacher, and children's television icon.