Joe always took credit for me and my future husband, Steve Harkola, meeting and going on a 1st date the afternoon of our IHS graduation. Loved Joe's big bear hugs and the way his eyes would twinkle whenever he laughed really hard! Joe was a formidable, yet very sweet & kind presence who will be incredibly missed by all who knew him He's definitely left a huge mark on many hearts!
RIP, Joe! Enjoyed speaking with you at recent reunions and getting your opinion on my wife's lapidus bunionectomy. I still recall the picture of you in the yearbook book looking into a microscope in AP Biology.
Joe was a good man, husband, father, doctor, elected representative.... As a 'ROC Homey' I've had the pleasure to cross paths with Joe over the years. From North Park Lanes and Ridge Billiards (Joe was also a very good billiards player!), to Friday evening happy hours at his favorite hang out '2 Vines', to our IHS Class of 73-75 Holiday Celebrations at the Dinosuar Bar-B-Que....Joe always had a great attitude and smile on his face. He was everyone's friend.
I remember one particular moment, many years ago, at the Wegman's near Culver Rd., in East Irondequoit. Joe was in the baby food isle when I ran into him. He was trying to decide which baby food to buy for his baby daughter Roma. Beech Nut or Gerber?? After some good hearty laughs he decided on the Gerber! This past June 7th, Joe was able to attend Roma's wedding day before he passed...
I think it was junior year of high school, maybe sophomore? Either way, I was old enough to have coopted and drive my family’s 1972 Camaro as my own. Joe and I were assigned to be partners for an English class filmmaking project. We decided to do a remake of The Hustler. Of course, Joe was The Hustler. I was mostly the cameraman and getaway car driver. We filmed the majority of it at Ridge Billiards. Joe, dressed up in his finest, wore a diamond pinky ring (at least in my memory), ran the table, and did lots of trick shots. He also brought along a briefcase, filled with bundles of real money, as a prop. Joe’s competitor wasn’t too happy about losing all that money. Joe had to grab the briefcase, slam it shut, run down the stairs to the back parking lot where his getaway car, waiting with motor running, burned rubber and peeled out onto Ridge Road.
Decades later, Joe and I had a chance to reminisce about the making of The Hustler. Remembering an old Super 8 reel sitting in a box of school books, I thought it was possible I might still have the film. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a much less interesting movie I made for a college class on the destruction of the Ellicott Woods at SUNY Buffalo. I never did get a chance to let Joe know that IHS’ Hustler remains lost to posterity.
Joe was perfectly cast. In our version, he combined Fast Eddie’s skills and youthful good looks with the charms, confidence, and flamboyance of Minnesota Fats. Though the film might have been lost, Joe’s portrayal lived on. Rest in peace, Joe, and keep on hustling.
I was heartsick to read of Joe's passing. From my high school memories, he was always so fun to be around and had the kindest smile. For whatever reason when I would see him in the halls of IHS, I would call out "Joe Carboni!" He'd always laugh and didn't seem to mind me changing his last name! Such a good, kind person and always looking so pulled together. Saw him from a distance at the last reunion but unfortunately didn't get a chance to connect. From all the tributes and comments, Joe made an indelible mark on all who crossed his path. We were blessed to know him. Thank you, Joe, for bringing so much light and goodness into the world. It was a privilege to have been your classmate. Prayers and blessings to all of Joe's family and friends.
Craig Wollesen (Wollesen)
Rest in peace, Joe, you will be missed.
Lisa Rothstein (Keeley)
So sorry to hear about Joe's passing. It has been many years, but I can still picture his smile! Condolences to Joe's family.
Jody Underwood (Harkola)
Joe always took credit for me and my future husband, Steve Harkola, meeting and going on a 1st date the afternoon of our IHS graduation. Loved Joe's big bear hugs and the way his eyes would twinkle whenever he laughed really hard! Joe was a formidable, yet very sweet & kind presence who will be incredibly missed by all who knew him
He's definitely left a huge mark on many hearts!
Letah Rabe (Graff)
Joe was an exception personality. Funny and kind. My thoughts for all his friends and family
Matthew Tomlinson
Just saw this.
Hit me hard.
Joe made me laugh so many times.
A good soul.
Rest in peace Joe.
Matt
Robert Connors
RIP, Joe! Enjoyed speaking with you at recent reunions and getting your opinion on my wife's lapidus bunionectomy. I still recall the picture of you in the yearbook book looking into a microscope in AP Biology.
Stephen Page
Joe always had a smile on his face
Alexander Lantuh
Joe was a good man, husband, father, doctor, elected representative.... As a 'ROC Homey' I've had the pleasure to cross paths with Joe over the years. From North Park Lanes and Ridge Billiards (Joe was also a very good billiards player!), to Friday evening happy hours at his favorite hang out '2 Vines', to our IHS Class of 73-75 Holiday Celebrations at the Dinosuar Bar-B-Que....Joe always had a great attitude and smile on his face. He was everyone's friend.
I remember one particular moment, many years ago, at the Wegman's near Culver Rd., in East Irondequoit. Joe was in the baby food isle when I ran into him. He was trying to decide which baby food to buy for his baby daughter Roma. Beech Nut or Gerber?? After some good hearty laughs he decided on the Gerber! This past June 7th, Joe was able to attend Roma's wedding day before he passed...
God bless his soul!
Scott Cymber
I think it was junior year of high school, maybe sophomore? Either way, I was old enough to have coopted and drive my family’s 1972 Camaro as my own. Joe and I were assigned to be partners for an English class filmmaking project. We decided to do a remake of The Hustler. Of course, Joe was The Hustler. I was mostly the cameraman and getaway car driver. We filmed the majority of it at Ridge Billiards. Joe, dressed up in his finest, wore a diamond pinky ring (at least in my memory), ran the table, and did lots of trick shots. He also brought along a briefcase, filled with bundles of real money, as a prop. Joe’s competitor wasn’t too happy about losing all that money. Joe had to grab the briefcase, slam it shut, run down the stairs to the back parking lot where his getaway car, waiting with motor running, burned rubber and peeled out onto Ridge Road.
Decades later, Joe and I had a chance to reminisce about the making of The Hustler. Remembering an old Super 8 reel sitting in a box of school books, I thought it was possible I might still have the film. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a much less interesting movie I made for a college class on the destruction of the Ellicott Woods at SUNY Buffalo. I never did get a chance to let Joe know that IHS’ Hustler remains lost to posterity.
Joe was perfectly cast. In our version, he combined Fast Eddie’s skills and youthful good looks with the charms, confidence, and flamboyance of Minnesota Fats. Though the film might have been lost, Joe’s portrayal lived on. Rest in peace, Joe, and keep on hustling.
Mary Beth Bauerschmidt (Verget)
I was heartsick to read of Joe's passing. From my high school memories, he was always so fun to be around and had the kindest smile. For whatever reason when I would see him in the halls of IHS, I would call out "Joe Carboni!" He'd always laugh and didn't seem to mind me changing his last name! Such a good, kind person and always looking so pulled together. Saw him from a distance at the last reunion but unfortunately didn't get a chance to connect. From all the tributes and comments, Joe made an indelible mark on all who crossed his path. We were blessed to know him. Thank you, Joe, for bringing so much light and goodness into the world. It was a privilege to have been your classmate. Prayers and blessings to all of Joe's family and friends.