The Rochester Fire Department and the family of Lt. John “JJ” Joseph confirmed plans for a public funeral and procession following his death on July 7 at age 37 after a battle with cancer.
Funeral and procession details
Calling hours were held Tuesday at Bartolomeo & Perotto Funeral Home in Greece. The funeral service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 14, at Blue Cross Arena. A procession will begin at 10:30 a.m., and Joseph’s casket will arrive in the bed of a fire truck as part of the ceremony.
“The bond shared by firefighters extends far beyond the walls of the firehouse...we are reminded that we are a family, united by service, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to one another.”
The Rochester Fire Department issued the statement and extended condolences to everyone mourning Joseph’s death, saying it hopes his memory "be a source of strength and comfort to all who knew him" and that his example will continue to inspire future firefighters.
Route and logistics
After the service inside the arena, the procession will travel to Engine 5 on Lyell Avenue, where Joseph was assigned, and then continue to Mt. Hope Cemetery for a private burial.
- Casket arrival: fire truck bed, procession begins at 10:30 a.m.
- Funeral service: 11 a.m. at Blue Cross Arena
- Post-service stops: Engine 5 (Lyell Avenue) and Mt. Hope Cemetery (private burial)
- Family request: no photos or video inside the arena
Expected street closures
Officials announced street closures around Blue Cross Arena beginning around 8 a.m. Wednesday and continuing into the early afternoon. Reporters and residents should plan for delays and altered routes in the downtown area.
| Street | From | To |
|---|---|---|
| Broad Street | South Avenue | Plymouth Avenue |
| Court Street | South Avenue | Exchange Boulevard |
| Exchange Boulevard | Main Street | Plymouth Avenue |
Background and community impact
Joseph graduated from Kendall Jr./Sr. High School and entered the Rochester Fire Academy in 2008, graduating the same year at age 19. His obituary described him as having an adventurous spirit, a generous heart and a love of the outdoors.
The department’s announcement and the public nature of the service reflect how closely knit Rochester’s firefighting community is and the role public memorials play for families and colleagues. Blue Cross Arena will host the public service; 13WHAM plans to livestream the funeral. Organizers reiterated the family’s request that attendees refrain from taking photos or video inside the arena to respect private moments of mourning.
Residents who plan to attend or will be traveling near downtown Wednesday morning should expect traffic impacts beginning early and lasting into the afternoon. The procession’s stop at Engine 5 on Lyell Avenue underlines the personal connections between firefighters and the neighborhoods they serve, and the private burial at Mt. Hope Cemetery will follow the public tribute.
Further updates were provided by the Rochester Fire Department and the funeral home; media outlets are livestreaming the service for those who cannot attend in person.
