Joseph R. Magistro

MAGISTRO, Joseph “Giuseppe” Rosario, 70, entered into eternal rest at home on January 20, 2022 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born October 28, 1951 in Bardonecchia, Torino (Italy) to Tindara (Pintaudi) and Luigi Magistro. Preceded in death by parents; wife, Linda (Caddy), and nephew, Christopher. Survived by loving daughter, and best friend, Luigina “Gina”; brother, Ronald: niece, Kim; nephews, Rick and Matthew; cousins, Gesuina and Luigino (Italy); and numerous cousins in the United States, Italy, and Australia as well as countless friends. He is also survived by his cat Rigatoni who offered much-needed comfort and comic relief during the toughest months of his battle.  Joe grew up in the small Sicilian town of Sant’Angelo di Brolo until 1960 when his family moved to the United States aboard the Olympia. He was a 1969 graduate of Johnstown High School where he met the love of his life, Linda. He earned his teaching degree from the University of Pittsburgh and taught English in the Greater Johnstown School District for 35 years. Teaching was one of the great joys of Joe’s life, and he loved sharing the world with his students via countless field trips with the M&M team.  Throughout his life Joe played bass guitar with many bands including The Cavaliers, The Flood City Blues, Fire, The Soul Express, and most recently That Oldies Band just to name a few. In addition to teaching and rock ‘n rolling, Joe collected and sold everything from comics and sports cards to beanie babies and other collectibles at various shops in the West End and on eBay. An avid Steelers and Pitt Panthers fan, Joe never missed a game. Joe was an optimist who will be remembered by all who knew him for his larger than life personality, sense of humor, and kind and generous heart.  He was a member of St. Therese Catholic Church, where Funeral Mass will be held Monday at 10:00 a.m., Rev. Francis Balestino, celebrant.  Committal will follow at Grandview Cemetery.  Friends received Sunday, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Francis G. Ozog Funeral Home Inc., Broad Street.  Masks are required at both the service and funeral.  Joe’s family would like to extend their thanks to the teams at the UPMC Hillman Cancer Centers in Johnstown and Shadyside for their support and care during Joe’s four-year battle. Condolences may be sent at fgozogfuneralhome.com

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