Joseph P. Fornieri 80 passed away March 23, 2023. Predeceased by parents Jennie and Joseph Fornieri, Grandparents Stefano and Luigina Ruffino, and Uncle and Aunt Peter and Phyllis Sotile. 

Joe is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Beatrice; his Cousin Veronica “Ronnie” Valvasori; 3 children Joey (Pam), Kathy, and Peter (Ruth); grandchildren, Isabella, Janet , Natalie, Joseph; JJ, and Helena.

Joe was born and raised in Rochester, New York. He moved to Fairport in 1974. He attended St. Francis Xavier Grammar School and Aquinas Institute, 1956-1960. He was a committed alumni of Aquinas and a life-long sports fan of “the little Irish,” Notre Dame, the Brooklyn Dodgers, the Yankees, and the Bills. He earned his Masters in Mathematics from the University of Buffalo and worked in the IT field with various companies throughout his successful career. 

Joe was a devoted husband and father who joyfully shared in the lives of his children and many loyal friends. His zeal for life included annual trips to Las Vegas, a yearly golf outing (GILO), Bills tailgating, a passion for movies, music, and food.

He was a true gentleman with a keen analytical mind who remained intellectually curious and engaged throughout his life. His passion, devotion, and integrity will be missed.

“Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.” Isaiah 57

Calling Hours Sunday April 2, 2023 12-2PM at the Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home (Egypt Location)7501 Pittsford Palmyra Road, Fairport. Funeral Mass Monday April 3, 2023 11:15AM at Church of the Assumption 20 East Ave, Fairport.

Celebration of life will be held after the Mass at My Wine and Cheese Bar Too, 400 Packetts Landing, Fairport NY, 14450


Comments

25 responses to “Fornieri, Joseph P.”

  1. Lisa Laurro Avatar
    Lisa Laurro

    Grateful for the memories shared over the past 49 years as dear neighbors. My heartfelt condolences and prayers for each of you. Even in the darkest moments God is there. ???❤️?❤️?

  2. Jeff Schilling Avatar
    Jeff Schilling

    I am so sorry for your loss, he was a great man and a huge part of your life. Deepest condolences to the entire Fornieri family

  3. Robert Altavena Avatar
    Robert Altavena

    Joe was friend I will truly miss.We went to many Aquinas sporting events together.Knowing Joe since 1960 is special. Joe was a dedicated husband and father who loved life.. He was a very special man to alot of people.Condolences to his entire family

  4. Karl and Carla Naegler Avatar
    Karl and Carla Naegler

    Our hearts and prayers go out to the Fornieri family. We are so sorry to hear about your father. We will keep him in our thoughts. We will do our best to make the wake on Sunday, but by some chance we don’t, we wanted to let you know we are thinking, and praying for you at this difficult time. Love, Karl and Carla Naegler.

  5. Pam Brun Avatar
    Pam Brun

    What can one say about Joe? He was one of a kind. I had the privilege of working for him at RCSB, he was by far the best manager I ever had. Not only was he committed to the company, he was committed to his employees first. He taught me a lot about IT, but also taught me things that have carried me through life. He would say, “Make sure you buy good tires for your car and always change the oil”. “Just because something’s cheap doesn’t mean it’s better”. ” Always get 3 price quotes before you decide to buy” “How did you arrive at that figure, there’s another way to do it!” (we would argue about that one). I guess you can take the man out of math but you can’t take the math out of the man!

    Joe was unique, he was funny, he was caring and generous. He appreciated us as co workers, respected us as friends. We strove to produce for him because he had our backs, always made us look good! Family was everything to Joe, he talked about them all the time and he loved to listen to his sons play in the their band. I wish there were more Joes in this world. Rest in peace my friend, you are someone I will never forget.

  6. Anthony Oleksyn Avatar
    Anthony Oleksyn

    My sincerest condolences to the Fornieri family, I had the honor of working for Joe at RCSB and under his leadership it was one of the most rewarding times in my IT career, Joe was one of a kind and will be missed.

  7. Marlene Attardo Avatar
    Marlene Attardo

    How do I even put into words how it feels to lose someone who has been in my life since we were kids? Memories of growing up with you and Bea as my best friend. Our kids all being around the same age and growing up together. All the cookouts and get-togethers at each other’s houses. Bob and I going to Italy with Joe and Bea. All the laughs and all all the love between us. Very few friends are like family but you guys are and we are just devastated. Joe was a salt-of-the-earth man and I hope he and Bob are back to cutting up together. Me, Bobby and Lisa LOVE you all so much and are so sorry for your profound loss. ?

  8. Terry "Spanky" Haschmann Avatar
    Terry “Spanky” Haschmann

    Joe & Pete, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your Dad was a great guy.

  9. AMY CUTRONA Avatar
    AMY CUTRONA

    My deepest condolences to the Fornieri Family. I was lucky to know Joe, having worked together at RCSB. A true gentleman who was always kind, caring and had a great sense of humor. I will always remember him and his million dollar smile. Rest in Peace my friend.

  10. Sarajane Kleinhammer Avatar
    Sarajane Kleinhammer

    Great guy, especially on our road trips to Schenectady with Bea and Carl

  11. Stephanie Johnson (Romano) Avatar
    Stephanie Johnson (Romano)

    Joe, I’m so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Condolences to you, your mom and entire family.

  12. Aquinas Alumni Office Avatar
    Aquinas Alumni Office

    God Bless our Aquinas Brother

  13. Suzanne Meyer Avatar
    Suzanne Meyer

    Bea and kids, So sorry to hear of Joe’s passing, What a wonderful man he was. He will be missed. Please know you are all in our prayers. Peace to you all. Suzie and Ed Meyer

  14. Jim Vitale Avatar
    Jim Vitale

    Bea, Joey, Kathy & Peter:

    This is a sad day, certainly for you, but also for those of us who had the privilege to work with Joseph P Fornieri. He was arguably the most intelligent man I’ve known; I learned so much from him in the formative period of my career. He was my mentor and I will be forever grateful for how he helped me advance my professional, and personal, life. He would always challenge me, often with Math problems that didn’t apply to work, but made you think critically. When I started at Chase I was the only programmer with Fortran knowledge, and he gave me a book to help me improve…. “The Elements of Fortran Style”. I still have it! And, back in the 70’s and 80’s, we were two of the biggest AQ football fans! Many a fall Friday and Monday had lengthy discussions of the weekend’s game.

    And because of our on-call responsibilities, to this day, I do not need to lookup your home phone number! It is burned in my memory forever. He wanted to always be kept informed, even in the wee hours of the morning!

    After retirement, we played some golf together. And although I had played for many more years than he did, he would provide me tips! He read voraciously and had the capacity to remember the most technical aspects of the game, as he did everything he had an interest in. He never stopped learning, as evidenced by his analysis of Blackjack during his retirement!

    I am beyond sad that he has left us. Rest in peace my friend. There is no doubt you will be missed and always remembered by many, many people. I for one will never forget you.

    Bea… My sincere condolences to you, and the entire Fornieri family.

    With utmost respect and admiration,

    Jim Vitale

  15. Rev. Dr. H. Lee Cheek, Jr. Avatar
    Rev. Dr. H. Lee Cheek, Jr.

    I did not have the good fortune of meeting Mr. Fornieri, but one of my greatest blessings in life is to be a close friend of his son, Dr. Joey Fornieri. The magnanimity and decency my friend Joe (and I am sure many others) learned from his Father is wonderfully at work in the world today. Over the years, I have heard many heartwarming and engaging stories of Mr. Fornieri from Joe, and I am sure the tremendous qualities of faith, hope, and love that Mr. and Mrs, Fornieri inculcated in their children will be a blessing to the rising generation. I pray the Holy Spirit will continue to comfort the Fornieri family in the days and weeks to come.

  16. Anita Elsbree Avatar
    Anita Elsbree

    I will keep close to my heart the wonderful memories shared with this beautiful family from long ago. May the angels come to greet him and may God bring His comfort and peace to all who loved him.

  17. Richard Kieffer Avatar
    Richard Kieffer

    Joe was one of a kind. He had passion for everything and everybody.
    His love for his devoted family was legendary. He took such great pleasure in the
    accomplishments of his entire family. To be with Joe was to savor life whether it be
    Aquinas, the BILLS (no greater fan ever!), great food, wine and music, or just waxing
    philosophically about life and the zest he had for it.
    Joe will be missed for many reasons, but the mfemories he created will sustain us all for
    many years to come.
    You will never be forgotten Joe, RIP….
    Dick Kieffer

  18. Stephen Zimmer Avatar
    Stephen Zimmer

    Very sad to hear about Joe. We worked together at RCSB many years ago and Joe was one of those people that you could always count on.. He was an exceptional co-worker and friend. God Bless Joe and his family.

  19. Joanne Mabelis Avatar
    Joanne Mabelis

    Joseph, my cousin, my friend, you were taken from us too soon. My heart is heavy for Bea and your children they loved you so. You will be, missed. .Your dedication, love and passion you showed to them was so evident. I too will miss our Fish fries our political discussions and your great smiles. You will remain in my prayers always I love you cuz , Joanne.

  20. Marie Beichert Avatar
    Marie Beichert

    Dear Bea, Joey, Carlo, and family and friends,
    Truly heartfelt sympathy. I am so blessed and honored to count your family as dear friends over many years. Much love and peace.

  21. Vern West Avatar
    Vern West

    I am so sorry for your loss!

  22. To all Fornieri Family,So sorry of your loss of a wonderful man. Husband, father, grandfather,and much more.I was blessed and fortunate for many memories with your family

  23. Daniela Dzinbal Avatar
    Daniela Dzinbal

    It is very difficult to add anything to the above comments. Everything that was spoken about our dear friend Joe was spot on. I couldn’t think of a better role model as far as a friend, husband, or employer. He excelled in all of those positions. For over 40 years he was a wonderful friend to my husband and I. He was always there for you and encouraging you to live life to its fullest. We will never forget him and will always keep him in our hearts.

  24. Richard Mabelis Avatar
    Richard Mabelis

    What a Great guy, wonderful family man, so sad for Bea, Joey,kathy& Peter. God bless Joe.

  25. Stephanie Pagano Avatar
    Stephanie Pagano

    Oh how my Mom (Roz) loved Joe! His curiosity, humor and their shared love of our Buffalo Bills. I hope she’s up there making him linguine and clams. Love you Fornieri family and sending prayers from the Pagano clan.