Rev. Joseph M. Sasso

Rochester: April 30, 2024. Fr. Joe is predeceased by his parents, Rose and Saverio Sasso; his sister and brother-in-law, Irene and Carlo E. DeSantis. He will be deeply missed by his nieces and nephews, John (Eric Esau) DeSantis, Ann-Marie (Sam Seymour) DeSantis, Donna DeSantis Snyder, James (Cynthia) DeSantis, Carla (Reni Caccamo) DeSantis; grandnieces and nephews, Mar DeSantis, Lauren Snyder, Eric (Montana) Snyder, Lillian DeSantis, Andrew DeSantis, Peter DeSantis, Luke Caccamo, Noah Caccamo, Julia Caccamo; and three great-grandnieces, Amelia, Haisley, and Mackenzie.

Fr. Joe was born on May 5, 1932, in Rochester, NY, to an Italian-American family. The community of St. Francis of Assisi Parish was the focus of his childhood activities, along with his large extended family of dear cousins, aunts, and uncles who were such a large part of his daily life. He graduated from Aquinas High School in 1950 and attended St. Andrew's and St. Bernard's Seminaries. He was ordained a Roman Catholic priest on May 31, 1958 at Sacred Heart Cathedral. He subsequently earned both a master's degree in education from the University of Rochester and a master's degree in divinity from St. Bernard's Seminary.

Fr. Joe dedicated his life to ministering faithfully to his parishioners during his various placements as associate pastor at parish communities throughout Upstate New York, including, St. Anthony Parish (Rochester), St. Mary Parish (Canandaigua), Good Shepherd Parish (Henrietta), St. Mary of the Lake (Ontario), Holy Rosary Parish (Rochester), St. John the Evangelist Parish (Spencerport), St. Dominic Parish (Shortsville), St. Patrick Parish (Corning), and St. Boniface Parish (Rochester). He also served for several months as chaplain at the Sisters of St. Joseph infirmary (Pittsford). In 1978, he became pastor of Holy Angels Church (Nunda) and its mission church, Holy Name Church (Groveland Station), where he remained for 16 years until his retirement in 1994. Even after his retirement, he continued to serve the diocese, well into his late 80s, assisting first at St. Anne Church (Rochester) and in his later years at Our Lady of Mercy and St. Brigid Parish (Leroy). A testament to his impact as a pastor are the many lasting friendships Fr. Joe made with his parishioners, who were touched by his friendly, down-to-earth, and helpful personality.

In addition to his talents as a respected parish administrator and pastor, known for his relatable sermons and children's masses, Fr. Joe had many interests and talents. He was a true scholar and avid reader who was continually learning throughout his life; he loved discussing politics, movies, and other issues. Fr. Joe was a master builder and woodworker, and relished in making heirloom wooden cradles and toys for his grandnephews and nieces. He enjoyed attending the opera and musical theater. He was also a gifted gardener and was happiest when he was outside, tending his well-planned gardens for friends and family to enjoy, nurturing his beloved flowers. While Fr. Joe was committed to the Catholic Church, he was also very committed to his family, taking early retirement to help care for his aging parents and being a constant presence in the lives of his sister and her family. His warmth, generosity, and happy demeanor will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Fr. Joe's visitation will be Monday, May 6th, from 4-7 PM at the funeral home, 1411 Vintage Lane (Between 390 & Long Pond Rd.). He will lie in state for a public viewing, Tuesday, May 7th, from 9-10 AM at St. Anne Church, 1600 Mt. Hope Avenue. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated, Tuesday 10:30 AM at St Anne. Immediately following, Fr. Joe will be laid to rest in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Donations in Fr. Joe's memory may be made to St. Brigid Parish H.A.R.T. Team, 44 Lake St., Leroy, NY, 14482, or to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 1200 Scottsville Rd. #A, Rochester, NY, 14624.