Joseph Michael Culotta

Joseph Michael Culotta, age 99, passed away on April 9, 2024. He was one of 3 children of Michael J. Culotta and Marietta Culotta, born in a close-knit Italian neighborhood in downtown Rochester, NY. A child of the Depression, he was always careful of a dollar-or a dime-yet he never hoarded life's most important currencies, time and attention. Those he spent lavishly, taking every opportunity for a game, a joke, or a conversation, packing the maximum amount of life into every hour. Wherever he went, he fostered community, as people gravitated to his energy, warmth, and wise counsel.

He attended St. Bridget's Elementary School, and revered the Sisters of St. Joseph ever after. He was valedictorian at Edison Technical High School in Rochester, where he wrestled, boxed, and lettered in track, cross country, and basketball. Unable to serve in WWII because of a childhood injury, he worked his way through the University of Rochester, graduating in three years in 1946 as an engineer, the first in his family to attend college. Later he received his M.S. from UR and became a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers.

Joe met the love of his life, Mary Jane Hendrick, at the "Gavel Club," where, following instructions to speak about what you know, he gave a talk on corrosion. His energy and dancing skills swept Mary Jane off her petite feet, and they married Oct. 13, 1956. They made their home in Rochester and spent summers on Conesus Lake. They were devoted members of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Rochester and St. Matthew in Livonia, NY. Rain or shine, they were convivial hosts, entertaining groups of neighbors, colleagues, church friends, and teammates, often in the glow of the lake's "million-dollar sunsets."

After a stint at Union Carbide, Joe found his career home in 1951 at the Pfaudler Company in Rochester, where he worked with great enthusiasm, curiosity, and cheer for 59 years. Applying his keen mind and people skills, he traveled the country and the world to sell glass-lined steel tanks for industrial processes. He helped design and build industrial plants in Europe, Iran, Vietnam, China, Peru, and more, tasting every local dish with gusto. He was a lifelong member of the Tennis Club of Rochester and the Rochester Ski Club and built many friendships on the court and on the slopes. When age at last curtailed his sports, he learned bridge at 92 and picked up poker at 95.

Joe was preceded in death by his beloved Mary Jane, his parents, and his sisters Rose Zaffrann and Mary. He is survived by: his devoted children, Michael Joseph (Cally Arthur) of Ithaca, NY; Mary Beth (Mike Waickman) of Akron; and Elizabeth (Hans Thewissen) of Kent, OH; his adored grandchildren, Colleen Waickman (Robert Taylor); Margaret Waickman (Steven Gourley); Micky Waickman; Peter Thewissen; and Isabella Culotta; many loving nieces, nephews, and friends, in whose visits, calls, and cards he delighted.

The family especially thanks Dr. Edward Parisi, as well as staff and friends at Brookdale Montrose, where Joe and Mary Jane lived for eight years.

Calling hours 10 a.m. Saturday, April 20 at St. Hilary Catholic Parish, 2750 W. Market St., Fairlawn, OH; Mass of Christian burial 11 a.m. at church. Interment at St. Rose Parish Cemetery in Lima, NY, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the University of Rochester.