Joseph Rosario Cesare

Joseph Rosario Cesare, age 87, passed away on August 24, 2025, in Tucson, Arizona. Joseph was born in Tucson, Arizona on March 19, 1938, St. Joseph’s Day. Joseph was a loving husband, father and grandfather as well as a successful businessman who helped build and shape Tucson from the 1960’s through today.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, Rosario and Pasqualina Cesare, of Lascare, Italy and Palermo, Sicily, respectively, his brother, Julius, sister, Elenore, and stepson Gordon Thomas (GT) Alley, III.

Joseph is survived by his loving wife of forty-five years, Lois (Renie) Cesare, whom he affectionately called “Honeypie”, children Vivian Bacon (Don), Mark, Jeffrey (Karen), and Larry, stepchildren Nina and Judy Alley and grandchildren Christiana, Angelique, Camilla, Lorenzo, Michael and Anthony, and Nicholas (Melissa) Novak, along with great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Born in a humble home, he rose to become one of Tucson’s most successful businessmen and developers. Ever proud of his “Southside” roots, he stayed close with many childhood friends throughout his entire life. Joseph attended Tucson High School, graduating in 1956 as part of the largest high school graduating class in the country that year. Attending the University of Arizona on a Kodak scholarship, he was in ROTC and earned his undergraduate degree in Political Science. Always a proud Wildcat, he was a member of the University of Arizona’s President’s Club and founding member of the Stadium Club.

Joseph served in the Army as an officer and earned the rank of Captain.

Joseph started selling real estate on his summer break from teaching in the early ‘60’s. This led to his lifelong career in the field. He founded Broadway Realty and Trust, Inc. through which he built and developed numerous commercial and residential projects throughout Tucson and elsewhere. Some of his most notable and recognizable projects and developments include the high rise at 5151 E. Broadway, Star Valley Master Planned Community, The Viscount Suites Hotel, Cork and Cleaver, Black Angus Restaurant, Fiesta Plaza, River Center and Rio Verde Commercial Center. One would be challenged to drive anywhere in Tucson without passing by one of his projects. He also was one of the founders of National Bank of Tucson.

In addition to his business activities, Joseph was active in the community, including belonging to or serving on boards for several organizations including the Los Charros de Desierto, Tucson Conquistadors, Tucson Airport Authority, St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation, UMC Hospital, and the Pima County Trial Court Appointment Commission, where he was one of the longest serving members for over 20 years.

Joseph received numerous honors during his lifetime, including the national City of Hope award and Man of the Year, to name of few.

Joseph was also very active politically, counseling, supporting and being a friend to numerous elected officials from the local level to the highest levels of federal government.

For the man who could have anything, one of his favorite things was enjoying a hotdog (or two or three or more…) from Der Wienerschnitzel. He loved them so much, he built many of them throughout Tucson and Arizona, ensuring he would never be far from one of them.

A funeral service will be held Tuesday, September 9th, 2025, from 10:30 A.M.- 12:00 P.M. at East Lawn Palms Mortuary, 5801 East Grant Road, Tucson, AZ 85712 with burial immediately following.

Joe and his wife, Renie, were blessed with over 45 happy years together and with their family. He will be deeply missed.

Following interment, a reception to remember the life of Joseph R. Cesare will be held at the Viscount Suite Hotel, 4855 E. Broadway Blvd. from 1:00 - 4:00 pm.