Joseph M. Eduardo Jr.

Joseph M. Eduardo, Jr, died peacefully on December 28, 2024, surrounded by loved ones. The cause of death was Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA), a form of Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD).
Born on January 23, 1949, to the late Joseph Michael Eduardo and Yolanda Viola Giacobbe Eduardo, Joe grew up in a close-knit family filled with love and laughter. His childhood was enriched by the support of an extended family, where the inseparable bond of "the cousins" became a defining thread throughout his life.
A 1966 graduate of East High, he earned a B.S. Degree in Business Administration at Youngstown State University of Ohio where he became a proud member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and excelled in interfraternity sports. After graduating, he joined the U.S. Army and made his mark as an award-winning Drill Sergeant. His abiding respect for the military and those who served was evidenced by his becoming many years later the Color Guard Sergeant at the American Legion Post No. 942.
Joe's business career started at the Social Security Administration and quickly transitioned to a lifelong career in financial planning with Centra Financial Group, specializing in life and disability insurance. Maintaining the highest ethical standards and enthusiasm, he selflessly guided others to plan for their futures, thereby earning great respect from clients as well as colleagues in the industry.
While he worked diligently in his career, Joe also poured equal energy and passion into his many hobbies and pursuits. Over the years, he tried his hand at numerous sports – baseball, boxing, golf, squash, rollerblading, aerobics instructor, martial arts, tennis, triathlons, and even lacrosse which he started in his late 60s. Beyond sports, Joe was deeply enamored with music. Introduced to drumming and the world of percussion at age 10, he ultimately became drum major for the award-winning Mighty St. Joe's Drum and Bugle Corps of Batavia and later of their Alumni Corps. His tenor voice graced the choir at Asbury First UMC, the Rochester Oratorio Society, and Resonanz.
Joe was quick to volunteer for charitable causes, often stepping forward to lead before the full request for assistance had been made. Of the many good and noble causes, Al Sigl Community of Agencies, which offers services to help those with special needs to maximize their independence, was dear to his heart. Joe was a member of their Sports Committee for nearly 25 years, was heavily involved in planning the golf tournament, supported Fine Tastings for two decades, and was the founder of the Al Sigl Tennis Tournament which grew exponentially over the years.
Charisma and integrity infused all he did, leaving an indelible mark on everyone he encountered – from his family and friends to his colleagues and the broader community. One of his music instructors aptly summarized Joe's essence upon learning of his passing: "I will remember the dignity of Joe's bearing, his determination and positive doggedness."
He is survived by his beloved wife, Dr. Annette Sessions, and by four children from three marriages: Bridget (Ken Starkweather), Anthony, Matthew, and Alexander. He is also survived by: his sister, JoAnn (Earl Kratzenberg); two cherished grandchildren; three nieces; one nephew; a large, extended family; and a broad network of friends, colleagues, tennis buddies, lacrosse team members, musicians, fellow singers, and more.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Fred Marshall, Dr. Mark Hodges, Dr. Daniel Mendelson, and the dedicated staff at Jewish Home of Rochester for their skilled and compassionate care over the years.
Inurnment will take place at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery very near the resting place of his parents. There will be no calling hours. A Celebration of Life will be held for extended family and close friends, with details to be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Joe's honor to: Al Sigl Community, Rochester Oratorio Society, Eastman School of Music, Veterans Outreach Center, Camp Good Days and Special Times, The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, or a charity of your choice.