Joe Negri, 'Handyman' on Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood and Acclaimed Jazz Guitarist, Dies at 99
Joe Negri, who played the handyman and music shop owner on Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood, died on May 30 at age 99, just days before his 100th birthday. Negri was a professional jazz guitarist and music educator who studied at Carnegie Mellon University and taught at multiple institutions including the University of Pittsburgh and Duquesne University. His legacy extends beyond the beloved children's program through his recordings, compositions, and influence on jazz guitar education.
Joe Negri, a recurring character on Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood who portrayed both "Handyman" Joe and the owner of Negri's Music Shop, passed away on May 30 at age 99. Born in Pittsburgh to Italian immigrant parents, Negri began guitar lessons before age 10 and became a professional musician in his teens, eventually studying at Carnegie Mellon University. Beyond his television appearances, Negri was recognized as one of the finest jazz guitarists in the country and a pioneering music educator who helped establish jazz guitar as part of college-level curricula at the University of Pittsburgh. He taught at multiple institutions well into his 90s and was honored with a doctorate from Duquesne University in 2002. Negri is survived by his wife Joan, three daughters, and their families.
What different sources said
- The FederalistRight
In Memory Of Mister Rogers’ Handyman And Music Shop Owner Joe Negri
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