Joseph F. Barone

Joseph F. Barone

ROCHESTER, NY. Joe passed away on November 16, 2022 at the age of 83. Predeceased by his wife, Nancy; Parents, Frank, and Lena and infant daughter, Mary. He is survived by his son, Timothy; granddaughters, Brooke and Alana; partner, Gail Werner; sister, Barbara Haefele; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Joe was an extraordinary athlete, loving husband, devoted father, dedicated teacher and guidance counselor, gifted coach, avid sports fan, a great teammate, and cherished friend.

Joe graduated from Franklin High in Rochester and received his BA from SUNY Brockport, where he went on to receive three Masters degrees in Child Psychology, History and English. He was a guidance counselor and teacher for the Rochester Public School District, and worked for many years at Frederick Douglass Middle School.

In high school, Joe was All Scholastic in baseball, basketball, and football. He competed in men's softball for years, participated in an incredible 16 Softball World Series, and was elected to the Rochester Softball Hall of Fame in 2012. He was a die-hard fan of baseball, celebrating and despairing the Yankee's wins and losses.

Joe was a beloved and talented coach. He guided the girls' volleyball and softball teams while at Douglass. He coached his son Tim's, Little League coach for years, and led them to the NY State Championship on two occasions. After he retired from the school district, he continued coaching, umpiring baseball games, and working as a substitute teacher. Joe mentored and encouraged youth his entire life.

Joe adored his wife, Nancy, who grew up across from him on Durnan Street in Rochester and was married for over 50 years until she passed in 2011. He was dedicated father, and loved visiting his son, Tim and granddaughters, Brooke and Alana in Georgia & California every chance he could. But Joe was a true, loyal Rochesterian!

He very much enjoyed his partner, Gale Werner, for many years and they had a wonderful, loving relationship until the very end of his life.

With his bushy mustache and warm smile, Joe greeted everyone like they were his closest friend. He saw the best in people. He had a way of being that was kind, big hearted, and always generous. The world is a better place because Joe was here, and he will be dearly missed.

Family will receive friends 9:00 to 10:00 AM, Wednesday, November 23, 2022 at New Comer Cremations and Funerals. 2636 Ridgeway Ave., followed by his Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM at Saint Mark's Church, 54 Kuhn Rd. Interment at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery, 2461 Lake Ave. Contributions may be made to: American Heart Association, or Saint Mark's Church.