Obituary of Joseph J. Tiberio

ROCHESTER – Joseph John Tiberio passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at the age of 89.

Joseph was born on January 2, 1936, to the late Peter and Mary Tiberio. He served his country honorably in the United States Army from 1955 to 1957. After his military service, Joe began his career as a meat cutter, later advancing to manager of the meat department. He eventually became a dedicated business agent for the labor union. In 1974, he was honored to receive a certificate from Harvard University after completing a prestigious trade union program designed for labor leaders from around the globe.

On April 4, 1959, he married the love of his life, Virginia, with whom he shared 66 years of marriage. Together, they raised two daughters, Debbie and Cheryl, and built a life centered on love, family, and faith.

Joe was a man of many passions. He enjoyed bowling, golfing, and was deeply involved in the St. Philip Neri parish, where he served faithfully as an usher, lector, and active member of the men’s club. He especially loved watching his grandchildren play sports—whether on the baseball or football field, or in the auditorium at a dance recital—he was always their biggest fan. In his later years, while living in the independent living community at Chapel Oaks, he was a spirited bingo and trivia player — always the teammate everyone hoped for. At night, you could often find him relaxing in his favorite chair watching Jeopardy!, answering the questions before even some of the best contestants could get them out.

Joe will be remembered for his youthful sense of humor that never faded with age. A kind and compassionate man, he had a smile that lit up the room until the very end of his life. He consistently put the needs of his family above his own and took immense pride in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren, never missing an opportunity to share how proud he was.

Joe is predeceased by his three sisters and his brother-in-law, Raymond Pesce.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Virginia Tiberio; daughters Debbie (Tony) Culotta and Cheryl Ryan; grandchildren Anthony (Caitlyn) Culotta, Amanda (Nick) Herman, Lindsay Ryan, and Thomas Ryan; great-grandchildren Nico, Rosie, and Leo Culotta, and Lucas, Noah, and Greyson Herman; sister-in-law Millicent Pesce; nephew Matthew (Brittany) Pesce; great-nephews Nicholas and Matthew Pesce; as well as many extended family and friends who will miss him dearly.

Calling hours will be held at Falvo Funeral Home, 1295 Fairport Nine Mile Point Road, Webster, NY 14580, on Thursday, July 31, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. A Mass of Catholic Burial will be celebrated at St. Ann’s Home Parks Family Chapel, 1500 Portland Ave., Rochester, NY 14621, on Friday, August 1, 2025, at 10 a.m. Donations in his memory may be made to Irondequoit Volunteer Ambulance and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. 

Burial will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.