Joseph Croce

Joseph Croce, as a child was affectionally known as Jo-Jo to differentiate him from his father also named Joseph. Jo-Jo’s New York City-born father was drafted into the US army during World War 1 after graduating from Columbia College. He served at Walter Reed hospital where, as an aspiring doctor he met an eminent Surgeon Dr. Rudolph Matas who headed Tulane medical school, where Joseph attended and later interned at New Orleans’

Charity Hospital.

While there Dr. Croce met Olga Feratta, daughter of Italian-born music composer and Tulane professor, Giuseppe Farrata, who had studied with Franz Liszt. A story in a New Orleans newspaper120 years ago, described Joe’s grand-father as a kind man of the people, very intellectual and a gifted conversationist. His uncle and mentor, Cardinal Dominic Ferrata was Secretary of State at the Vatican in the early 20th Century.

Like his grandfather, music, conversation and religion would form Joe’s life. Joe grew up on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, attended W. 71st Street’s Blessed Sacrament school and parish. After graduating from Manhattan College and Columbia graduate school he served with the US Army in Germany in the mid 1950’s. He returned to USA and entered the Benedictines religious order in Illinois. He left the Order a few years later. Mandatory quiet and strict silence periods were probably not a good fit for someone as conversant as Joe. For many years in Aurora, Illinois, Joe’s clear vision helped him in his work with various organizations to empower people with physical. developmental and mental health problems to lead better lives, JC was an excellent listener and people found him easy talk to. Joe had a gift where he could talk in an understandable way with everyone, young and old alike. JC was a spiritual person; he showed it by example in the kind way he led his life.

Sixteen years ago, after his bother Rudolph died in New York, Joe returned to the Upper West Side building and parish he grew up in and soon flourished. He found daily visits to Utopia diner on Amsterdam Avenue, enabled him to spend hours with a large number of friends. Joe didn’t even mind when someone was already seated in his usual favorite chair; for Joe it was just an opportunity to meet someone new. He made friends everywhere in the neighborhood and every week talked with numerous friends around the world. It’s a talent that made Joe a gifted photographer of beautiful photos. Because as in life, he knew what the essence of a beautiful photo is. Friends describe him as Renaissance man, he loved to speak with others about everything.

At the same time, you could never imagine him with a harsh word for anybody, He was never judgmental, he tried to see the best in everyone, especially the numerous poor and unfortunates of society that he actively tried to help financially and with his wise counsel.

Even though he never lost his Midwest accents, he thoroughly embraced New York City and at 94 plus years was as mentally as sharp as ever until suddenly on November 20, 2025, he was taken away from us and it stung bitterly. Yet, all who knew him were fortunate to being touched by the warm gentle light of his counsel in conversations we cherish, because he showed us what true goodness was like, As days go by we should, at those moments when we’re tired and discouraged, think of those conversations with Joe Croce and smile,…… and then let Joe call forth those comforting Bright Angels that he saw within all of us.