Joseph A. Latessa Jr. 1936-2026

Joseph was born Sept. 23, 1936, in Youngstown, the son of the late Joseph A. Latessa Sr. and Julia Petrarca Latessa.

He was a 1954 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and pursued his love of music at Kent State University, Youngstown State University and Adrian College before returning to Youngstown to follow his true passion for music performance.

Joseph met the love of his life, Joyce E. Cook, and they were married on Nov. 24, 1978. Together, they raised two children, Michael and Lora, and cherished attending and supporting all their activities throughout their lives.

Music was Joseph’s lifelong passion. An accomplished pianist, as well as a talented harmonica and banjo player, he entertained audiences throughout the region for more than 70 years. He was affectionately known as “Little Joe” and performed solo, as well as with his “Ragtime Band,” at private parties, bars, restaurants, wedding receptions and countless special events.

Although proudly 100% Italian, he was especially well known for entertaining large crowds on St. Patrick’s Day. In his later years, he found great joy performing for residents of local nursing homes and spending time with his “Thursday Night” crew, often gathering at Heck’s and The Sandwich Factory in Columbiana. One of his greatest joys was when his daughter, Lora, began accompanying him with her beautiful voice.

While at Woodrow Wilson High School and Adrian College, Joseph excelled on the football field and was named Most Valuable Player at Adrian. His love for football continued throughout his life. He coached at St. Dominic School before becoming a devoted fan, especially enjoying watching his son Michael play at Cardinal Mooney High School and Youngstown State University. He remained a passionate fan until the very end, attending Mooney games this past season with family, particularly his cousin Duke Colaprete, as they watched his son Frank lead the Cardinals.

A lifelong Pittsburgh Steelers fan, Joseph proudly wore his favorite Steelers hat each day as he made his final journey Home.

Joseph deeply treasured the past 19 years with his beloved granddaughter, Karie Bella. He lit up whenever she was around and cherished their private piano concerts. He loved attending her school events, swim meets and especially their recent birthday trips to Kent, where she is studying nursing at Kent State University.

A devout Catholic, Joseph was a lifelong member of St. Dominic Church, which held a special place in his heart. He shared his love of faith, as well as family and music, with his brother, Ronald C. Latessa Sr. Joe especially cherished his birthday visits from Ron, which always included a gift of Locatelli cheese.

Joseph leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Joyce; son, Michael; daughter, Lora; and granddaughter, Karie Bella. He is also survived by a sister-in-law, Cynthia Latessa; several nieces and nephews, Ronald (Patti) Latessa Jr., Phillip (Gwen) Latessa, Tammy (Michael) Miller, Adele Miller and Chip (Lisa) Miller; along with many cousins and extended family members.

Family meant everything to Joseph and he considered many of his close patrons, his children’s friends and their parents, and his lifelong friends and neighbors as part of his extended family.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, and a sister-in-law, Ardell Tiller.

Family and friends may pay their respects 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at the Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave., Boardman.

Funeral services will be 9 a.m. Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the funeral home, followed by a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Dominic Church, 77 E. Lucius Ave., Youngstown.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Hampton Woods in Poland, especially the Wainscot and Bentley units, as well as Sanctuary Hospice, for their compassion and care during Joseph’s final days.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the “Little Joe” Latessa Scholarship at the Youngstown State University Foundation, 655 Wick Ave., Youngstown, OH 44502. Contributions may also be made online at ysufoundation.org by clicking “Give Now” and following the prompts.

Family and friends are encouraged to offer prayers for the family by visiting the Book of Memories at www.rossifunerals.com.

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