Joe Negri, Legendary Jazz Guitarist and ‘Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood’ Star, Dies at 97
PITTSBURGH — Joe Negri, the acclaimed jazz guitarist widely recognized for his role as “Handyman Negri” on the children’s television series “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” has passed away at the age of 97. Negri died on Sunday, July 14, 2025, at his home in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, according to his family. The cause of death was complications from a brief illness.
Negri was born on July 13, 1928, in Pittsburgh. He began his professional music career as a teenager, performing with notable jazz artists including Benny Goodman and Stan Getz. His role on “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” spanned from 1968 until the show’s conclusion in 2001, where he taught Fred Rogers and millions of viewers about music and creativity from his fictional “Negri’s Music Shop.” Beyond his television work, Negri was a prolific performer, recording more than 20 albums and serving as a faculty member at the University of Pittsburgh for two decades. Social media tributes have poured in from musicians and fans worldwide, celebrating his profound influence on jazz and early childhood education. Negri is survived by his three children and five grandchildren.