I wanted to share my nephew Aaron’s eulogy for his grandfather here since it was so heartfelt and beautiful (posted by Sue)
“Today, we say goodbye to a legend—but more than that, we celebrate the life of a man who taught us how to love boldly, forgive freely, and lead with heart.
I stand not only as a grandson, but as a representative of the many lives my grandfather touched—across generations, across professions, across the world.
A lot of folks here already know the story. Those of you that don’t, you know that my grandfather was a very passionate man with a big heart. To the soccer world, he was Joe “Red Card” Sirianni—a name that echoed through the soccer community with equal parts of respect and humor. If you know anything about my grandfather, you know that says a lot about who he was. He was a fighter. He was passionate and he stood his ground when it mattered. He was strong, loyal, and he loved with everything that he had.
I remember being told the story as a kid, however, I can’t recall all the details but could never forget the main part. It was my understanding that my grandfather and the coach of the Lancers rushed the field after a very controversial game. They deemed it appropriate to give the referees their two cents as they so deserved. What wasn’t expected was that, during this squabble, my grandfather decided to give a good pinch on the cheek of one of the referees. That infamous pinch is what to the now branded Joe “Red Card” Sirianni name. That red card wasn’t just a moment on the field; it was a symbol of his fire for his players. A symbol of how he showed up when it mattered, not when it was right.
My grandfather was inducted into the Italian-American Hall of Fame, a recognition he deeply deserved. He was a part of a long running radio show called “Soccer is a Kick in the Grass”.
I was lucky enough to listen to his last episode on Facebook live not too long ago. I had listened to many episodes in the past, but this one was special. This last episode was a perfect send off to a long running show that he was so proud of. This episode included a long segment in which Andrew and my grandfather took calls from past guests. The guests included coaches, players, and sponsors.
I had tears in my eyes, listening to the affirmation and praise from these callers about the man that I had looked up to my whole life. I sat there in my recliner listening to all these people call in and rave about my grandfather and what he had done for not only the Rochester community, but the sport of soccer.
My grandfather was a man of many accolades. A cool nickname, a successful radio show, an induction to the hall of fame; but if you asked him what really mattered, it wasn’t the accolades or titles. It was people. It was family. It was love.
It’s difficult to stand here today and find the words to capture what my grandfather meant to me. My grandfather emulated love in everything he did. Every handshake, every kiss on the cheek, every conversation. He taught me so much. He taught me patience and about letting your word mean something. But above all, he taught me about love. Not the flashy kind, but the enduring kind. The kind that leaves an impression.
Though life had pushed us states apart, it was always so easy to call him up and spend a few minutes with him on the phone. As adults, my wife and I always looked forward to those conversations. Every hello led to my grandfather calling my wife beautiful, asking about the great grandkids, telling my wife and kids that he loves them. He would always end the conversation with my wife with a closing remark about taking care of his grandson. It was always so rewarding to see the love he had for the important people in my life.
Every phone call included my grandfather asking about his daughter, my mother. Not a single conversation we had, did not include my mother’s being. He would always reach out to check on her, even if he had just spoken to her. He always wanted to make sure that us kids were there for her when he was not able. The love that he had for his own children was immeasurable. The love was not only received but emulated back to him in mirrored form.
To see the effects of his love on the people around him is amazing to me. Everyone who has ever been in contact with my grandfather felt love.
Last May, my wife and I were up here for a few days. I remember sitting in the living room with my grandfather. Aunt Sue comes into the room and sits right next to him. She had her arm around him; legs draped over his and she was playing with the top of his head. You could see an instant change in my grandfather’s body language. My wife and I looked at each other and smiled. My grandfather’s face lit up. On our way home from New York, I mentioned to my wife that if either of my daughters showed me half the love that Sue did her father, I would be the happiest father in the world.
Not only does he emulate love, but he is one of the most patient people I know. I grew up watching him as a father to my mother. The way he would look at her from across the room. Regardless of what she had/or hadn’t done wrong in life, all you saw was a forgiving, loving stare from a father to a daughter.
We should all strive to be like my grandfather. To show love in all forms. I strive to be the forgiving, patient, loving father that I was able to see for my mother, to my own kids.
Every visit always included at least 1, long-winded, meaningful lesson about life and love. He would spend time with me, not trying to teach me life lessons… but just spending time with me. What I’ll miss most is his quiet wisdom. He didn’t just give advice; he listened first. He didn’t judge; he understood. He taught me that love is best shown through actions. Some of my favorite memories are of the two of us sitting on his front porch, talking to me about life. He has no idea that every conversation led to me being a better man. A better father, and a better husband. If I could end up being half the man that my grandpa was, I would be honored.
We’ve lost a pillar today. A man whose absence leaves a silence that echoes. But in the stories we tell, in the lessons we live, and in the love we pass down—he remains. Today, we don’t just mourn his passing; we celebrate his example. And though our hearts are heavy, I carry him with me in every act of kindness, every moment I choose compassion over judgment, every time I stand up for someone I care about. That’s how I honor him. That’s how I keep him alive.
Grandpa, the field is quieter without you, but your love is still in play; in every life you touched and impacted. I will carry your lessons with me always. I will carry your love. I see you in the way I try to be kind to people, and in the way I’m learning to be there for those that I care about—just as you always were. I strive to be the example that you were to those around you and to love with all my heart. Thank you for everything.”
Joe, you were one of a kind. A man that not only your family will miss but all of Rochester will miss. Event hough you never did reach the height of 6 ft, lol, you stood taller than most men. I am so proud and honored to call you my cousin. Enjoy your time in heaven with your parents and your uncles and aunts. If God hasn’t started a soccer league in heaven yet, you now know what to do. Just don’t call the teams Sinners vs Saints. Will always love you.
For Joe – A Lasting Light
Joe wasn’t just family by marriage-he became family by heart. Though time and life may have changed titles and relationships, one truth has never wavered:Joe helped me take my first steps into a life I’ve now built over 45 years. He didn’t have to help me-but he did. I’ll never forget that.
He gave me a chance when I needed it most.
That first job wasn’t just a start-it was the beginning of a career that has shaped who I am.
Even now, as the years stretch on, I still feel the ripple of that gift.
Joe’s legacy isn’t only in his own accomplishments-it’s in the people he quietly empowered, the way he extended his trust without condition, the generosity he shared and asked for nothing in return. He may no longer be with us, but the life I’ve built because of him continues to honor who he was.
I hope he knew just how far that act of kindness went
Our deepest sympathies and condolences, in memory of a devoted leader whose serce and dedication uplifted our entire Italian-American community. Your impact will be remembered always –
The Italian-American Community Center
You will be sorely missed Joe. You were such a great and loving person and mentor to many. You had a calmness about you like no other. May God bless you and keep you in his arms. You are at peace. ❤️
È stato un vero onore avere uno zio come te. Hai dato tanto amore a tutte le persone che hai incontrato lungo la tua strada. In particolare con me, eravamo così lontani, ma sempre vicini al mio cuore. Con tanto amore. Tua nipote, Orsola
I will remember Joe with great respect and admiration but mostly kindness & his smile. I have wonderful memories of my husband and I talking with Joe about a trip to Italy in 2010 that we took, with our cousin Suzanne Sirianni. We talked for hours with laughter about the home my mom Josephine & her sister Frances were born in. & directions on how we could see it. I will always remember his fig tree that showed us and was so proud of. Rest in peace Joe with no pain and plant some fig trees in heaven. Love u, Rossene
To all of Joe’s Family. Joe was the best! I was honored to work with him in radio for his soccer show participation. Always kind, funny, and very professional. May he rest in peace with Our Lord. Gary LaBarr
My uncle had a heart of gold. Ready to give advice and help out if needed. He was loved by so many people because of his goodness. We all know that he was a rare type of person, and I am so grateful to have had him as an uncle and benefit from his fatherly advice. I will miss you SO MUCH!
Uncle Joe,
Living across the street from you for the past 25 years was the best move I ever made. For me and my family. You embraced us all. I will miss our daily talks and sitting on the deck, porch or the bench in front of my house, as we drink our beer or wine and oh yes…the “shots” of JD or the Sambuca in our espresso. You’d lecture me when you thought I needed it and always gave good advice when I asked. You filled a void in my life and are more like father than an Uncle. I will always love you and I will never forget you. You are forever in my heart and soul.
“Today, we say goodbye to a legend—but more than that, we celebrate the life of a man who taught us how to love boldly, forgive freely, and lead with heart.
I stand not only as a grandson, but as a representative of the many lives my grandfather touched—across generations, across professions, across the world.
A lot of folks here already know the story. Those of you that don’t, you know that my grandfather was a very passionate man with a big heart. To the soccer world, he was Joe “Red Card” Sirianni—a name that echoed through the soccer community with equal parts of respect and humor. If you know anything about my grandfather, you know that says a lot about who he was. He was a fighter. He was passionate and he stood his ground when it mattered. He was strong, loyal, and he loved with everything that he had.
I remember being told the story as a kid, however, I can’t recall all the details but could never forget the main part. It was my understanding that my grandfather and the coach of the Lancers rushed the field after a very controversial game. They deemed it appropriate to give the referees their two cents as they so deserved. What wasn’t expected was that, during this squabble, my grandfather decided to give a good pinch on the cheek of one of the referees. That infamous pinch is what to the now branded Joe “Red Card” Sirianni name. That red card wasn’t just a moment on the field; it was a symbol of his fire for his players. A symbol of how he showed up when it mattered, not when it was right.
My grandfather was inducted into the Italian-American Hall of Fame, a recognition he deeply deserved. He was a part of a long running radio show called “Soccer is a Kick in the Grass”.
I was lucky enough to listen to his last episode on Facebook live not too long ago. I had listened to many episodes in the past, but this one was special. This last episode was a perfect send off to a long running show that he was so proud of. This episode included a long segment in which Andrew and my grandfather took calls from past guests. The guests included coaches, players, and sponsors.
I had tears in my eyes, listening to the affirmation and praise from these callers about the man that I had looked up to my whole life. I sat there in my recliner listening to all these people call in and rave about my grandfather and what he had done for not only the Rochester community, but the sport of soccer.
My grandfather was a man of many accolades. A cool nickname, a successful radio show, an induction to the hall of fame; but if you asked him what really mattered, it wasn’t the accolades or titles. It was people. It was family. It was love.
It’s difficult to stand here today and find the words to capture what my grandfather meant to me. My grandfather emulated love in everything he did. Every handshake, every kiss on the cheek, every conversation. He taught me so much. He taught me patience and about letting your word mean something. But above all, he taught me about love. Not the flashy kind, but the enduring kind. The kind that leaves an impression.
Though life had pushed us states apart, it was always so easy to call him up and spend a few minutes with him on the phone. As adults, my wife and I always looked forward to those conversations. Every hello led to my grandfather calling my wife beautiful, asking about the great grandkids, telling my wife and kids that he loves them. He would always end the conversation with my wife with a closing remark about taking care of his grandson. It was always so rewarding to see the love he had for the important people in my life.
Every phone call included my grandfather asking about his daughter, my mother. Not a single conversation we had, did not include my mother’s being. He would always reach out to check on her, even if he had just spoken to her. He always wanted to make sure that us kids were there for her when he was not able. The love that he had for his own children was immeasurable. The love was not only received but emulated back to him in mirrored form.
To see the effects of his love on the people around him is amazing to me. Everyone who has ever been in contact with my grandfather felt love.
Last May, my wife and I were up here for a few days. I remember sitting in the living room with my grandfather. Aunt Sue comes into the room and sits right next to him. She had her arm around him; legs draped over his and she was playing with the top of his head. You could see an instant change in my grandfather’s body language. My wife and I looked at each other and smiled. My grandfather’s face lit up. On our way home from New York, I mentioned to my wife that if either of my daughters showed me half the love that Sue did her father, I would be the happiest father in the world.
Not only does he emulate love, but he is one of the most patient people I know. I grew up watching him as a father to my mother. The way he would look at her from across the room. Regardless of what she had/or hadn’t done wrong in life, all you saw was a forgiving, loving stare from a father to a daughter.
We should all strive to be like my grandfather. To show love in all forms. I strive to be the forgiving, patient, loving father that I was able to see for my mother, to my own kids.
Every visit always included at least 1, long-winded, meaningful lesson about life and love. He would spend time with me, not trying to teach me life lessons… but just spending time with me. What I’ll miss most is his quiet wisdom. He didn’t just give advice; he listened first. He didn’t judge; he understood. He taught me that love is best shown through actions. Some of my favorite memories are of the two of us sitting on his front porch, talking to me about life. He has no idea that every conversation led to me being a better man. A better father, and a better husband. If I could end up being half the man that my grandpa was, I would be honored.
We’ve lost a pillar today. A man whose absence leaves a silence that echoes. But in the stories we tell, in the lessons we live, and in the love we pass down—he remains. Today, we don’t just mourn his passing; we celebrate his example. And though our hearts are heavy, I carry him with me in every act of kindness, every moment I choose compassion over judgment, every time I stand up for someone I care about. That’s how I honor him. That’s how I keep him alive.
Grandpa, the field is quieter without you, but your love is still in play; in every life you touched and impacted. I will carry your lessons with me always. I will carry your love. I see you in the way I try to be kind to people, and in the way I’m learning to be there for those that I care about—just as you always were. I strive to be the example that you were to those around you and to love with all my heart. Thank you for everything.”
Joe, you were one of a kind. A man that not only your family will miss but all of Rochester will miss. Event hough you never did reach the height of 6 ft, lol, you stood taller than most men. I am so proud and honored to call you my cousin. Enjoy your time in heaven with your parents and your uncles and aunts. If God hasn’t started a soccer league in heaven yet, you now know what to do. Just don’t call the teams Sinners vs Saints. Will always love you.
Joe wasn’t just family by marriage-he became family by heart. Though time and life may have changed titles and relationships, one truth has never wavered:Joe helped me take my first steps into a life I’ve now built over 45 years. He didn’t have to help me-but he did. I’ll never forget that.
He gave me a chance when I needed it most.
That first job wasn’t just a start-it was the beginning of a career that has shaped who I am.
Even now, as the years stretch on, I still feel the ripple of that gift.
Joe’s legacy isn’t only in his own accomplishments-it’s in the people he quietly empowered, the way he extended his trust without condition, the generosity he shared and asked for nothing in return. He may no longer be with us, but the life I’ve built because of him continues to honor who he was.
I hope he knew just how far that act of kindness went
In loving memory –
Carlos & Margy Guzman and Dr. Jessica Guzman-Rea and families
Oh my Papa Bear, I love you till eternity, and we will meet again –
Gloia Druno
In loving memory of Joseph P. Sirianni
With love –
Debbie, Erica, Kerrie & Kyle
With deepest sympathies –
The Schiano family
Sending blessings –
The Darden Family
In loving memory –
Love, Lillian, Sam & Bob and families
With love & Sympathy –
Ursula, Dim, TaKim & Gia Carmella
All my love, Anna
In our hearts forever and always… This is not goodbye, it’s see you later…
Love, The Camardo & Geppert families
Our deepest condolences –
From, WYSL/WLEA
Though you are no longer by our side, you’ll forever be in our hearts –
We love you, Anna Femiano & family
Our deepest sympathies and condolences, in memory of a devoted leader whose serce and dedication uplifted our entire Italian-American community. Your impact will be remembered always –
The Italian-American Community Center
With deepest sympathy –
Love, Soccersam, Linda & family, Rochester Lancers family
You will be sorely missed Joe. You were such a great and loving person and mentor to many. You had a calmness about you like no other. May God bless you and keep you in his arms. You are at peace. ❤️
È stato un vero onore avere uno zio come te. Hai dato tanto amore a tutte le persone che hai incontrato lungo la tua strada. In particolare con me, eravamo così lontani, ma sempre vicini al mio cuore. Con tanto amore. Tua nipote, Orsola
To all of Joe’s Family. Joe was the best! I was honored to work with him in radio for his soccer show participation. Always kind, funny, and very professional. May he rest in peace with Our Lord. Gary LaBarr
My uncle had a heart of gold. Ready to give advice and help out if needed. He was loved by so many people because of his goodness. We all know that he was a rare type of person, and I am so grateful to have had him as an uncle and benefit from his fatherly advice. I will miss you SO MUCH!
Uncle Joe,
Living across the street from you for the past 25 years was the best move I ever made. For me and my family. You embraced us all. I will miss our daily talks and sitting on the deck, porch or the bench in front of my house, as we drink our beer or wine and oh yes…the “shots” of JD or the Sambuca in our espresso. You’d lecture me when you thought I needed it and always gave good advice when I asked. You filled a void in my life and are more like father than an Uncle. I will always love you and I will never forget you. You are forever in my heart and soul.