Joseph Michael LaPietra, 57, passed peacefully on November 22, 2025, after a long, courageous battle with ALS.

Joe was a beloved husband, father, son, uncle, friend, and mentor.

Born on September 20, 1968, in Rochester, NY to Eleanor and Saverio LaPietra, Joe was raised with a love for all sports, especially soccer. This led to his future career; a career was deeply devoted to for almost 30 years. After earning his Bachelors in Physical Education, Joe went on to obtain his Master of Education Administration. Joe began his career as a Physical Education Teacher, and later became an Athletic Director, in the Rochester City School District, where he spent the entirety of his career until retirement this year.

Joe was extremely proud of his Italian heritage and his Catholic upbringing. He loved his Italian traditions, especially during the holidays. He loved his mother’s cooking and baking and her timeless beauty. Joe and his father shared a great love of gardening and lawncare and would spend hours talking about both. Joe’s faith was strong and carried him through the last 7 years as he bravely fought this cruel disease. Joe loved all things sports related. He was a loyal fan of the Buffalo Bills, the Yankees, the Lakers, the Rangers, Penn State and his father’s favorite Italian team, Napoli. Joe knew every record, stat, roster, detail, etc. of every team in every sport; there was no one that knew more about sports than he. Joe coached soccer at Aquinas for over 16 years, including 8 Years as Head Coach, leading them to unprecedented success, winning (2) NYS High School Championships. Joe believed that every student athlete had the potential to be successful in athletics AND in life. Joe was a mentor to many and a cheerleader to all. He loved his students as if they were his own and it was evident in the love he received back.

Joe married Ellyn (Ackroyd) on July 18, 1998. Together they raised 3 beautiful girls who were the loves of Joe’s life. He was a hands-on dad from the first day of parenthood and his girls were his greatest source of happiness and pride. Joe left this earth knowing they will carry on his values and traditions. Joe’s favorite activity was spending time with his family; summers in Maine, trips to Florida, frequent family gatherings, or just sitting with a cup of coffee and talking sports or world events. Joe was happiest when he was surrounded by those he loved. He shared a special relationship with his in-laws, Barbara and David Ackroyd. He loved to joke around and participate in hijinks with his mother-in-law. Joe shared a love of education, and of a good Manhattan, with his father-in-law. Recently, Joe’s favorite activity was spending time with his great nieces, Capri and Adella.

Joe was the greatest friend one could hope for. He loved his friends as if they were family and treated them as such. Joe made everyone feel like he had known them for years, even if you had just met. He regaled people with his endless stories and, no matter how many times he repeated them, his enthusiasm never diminished when sharing these tales. To be called Joe’s “friend” was a privilege and an honor, and one that was bestowed upon you soon after meeting and for life.

Joe is survived by his wife of 27 years, Ellyn, children Emily (Lucas), Samantha, and Olivia, his parents Saverio and Eleanor, father-in-law David (Barbara), brother Gary (Beth); sister Maria (Steve), nephews and nieces Gary Michael, David (Payton), Allison (Phill), Juliana (Ryan) and Nicholas, great nieces Capri and Adella, beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, colleagues, and students whose lives he touched with his wisdom and generosity. Special thanks to the angels at Strong Memorial Hospital Palliative Care Unit, Mt Carmel House and U of R Hospice for the way they cared for Joe and his entire family.

Calling hours will be held on 12/1/25 from 2pm-4pm and 6pm-8pm at Bartolomeo and Perotto Funeral Home, 1411 Vintage Lane, Rochester, NY 14626. Memorial mass will be held on 12/2/25 at 11am at The Parish of the Holy Family, 4100 Lyell Rd, Rochester, NY 14606. Private, family burial to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Compassionate Care ALS, PO Box 1052 West Falmouth MA, 02574 or online at CCALS.org

Joseph Michael LaPietra leaves behind more than a memory – he leaves behind a better world because he was in it.