Joe Negri, the beloved actor and musician who became a familiar face to generations of children as Handyman Negri on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, has died. He was 99.

The Pittsburgh legend passed away on Saturday, May 30, just days before what would have been his 100th birthday on June 10.

His daughter, Lisa Negri, confirmed the heartbreaking news to Trib Live, saying her father died of natural causes while loved ones were preparing to celebrate his centennial birthday with family and friends.

Fred Rogers Productions also confirmed Negri’s death to KDKA-TV on Sunday, May 31.

For decades, Negri was part of the warm, gentle world that Fred Rogers created for children across America. He appeared on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood from 1968 to 2001 and became best known as Handyman Negri, a kind and helpful figure in Rogers’ “real” neighborhood.

But Negri was much more than a television personality.

He was a gifted jazz guitarist, teacher, arranger, and musician whose career stretched far beyond the small screen.

On the classic children’s show, Negri also owned Negri’s Music Shop, a fictional store that allowed him to share his real-life love of music with young viewers.

He also voiced several characters in the Land of Make-Believe, including Father Elephant, Joe Bull, Papa Bear, Storyteller, The Wind, and W.I. Norton Donovan.

In total, Negri appeared in 332 episodes of the beloved series.

His road to Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood almost did not happen.

In a 2018 interview with WQED Pittsburgh, Negri recalled the moment Fred Rogers called him with the idea.

“I got a call and he said, ‘Hey Joe, how would you like to come on my new show and be the handyman?’” Negri remembered.

But Negri was stunned by the offer.

“I said, ‘Oh Fred, you’re kidding! I’m not a handyman at all! I don’t even know how to nail a nail straight!’” he said.

Rogers had the perfect answer.

“He said, ‘Don’t worry about a thing, it’s just gonna be pretend,’” Negri recalled. “And it was pretend and it was wonderful and it lasted for 35 years!”

That simple phone call turned into a role that made Negri a treasured part of American television history.

Later, when his character became the owner of Negri’s Music Shop, the role became an even better fit.

“I’m glad he gave me the music shop because it gave me a really good opportunity to utilize my music,” Negri told KDKA-TV.

The music shop also gave Negri the chance to perform alongside some of the biggest names in music, including Wynton Marsalis, Johnny Costa, and Yo-Yo Ma.

Long before he became a familiar face to TV audiences, Negri was already making music.

The Pittsburgh native began playing at just 8 years old. By the time he was a teenager, he was touring nationally as a swing musician.

Throughout his life, he remained deeply connected to jazz. He taught generations of students and served as an adjunct professor of jazz guitar at Duquesne University and the University of Pittsburgh.

In 2019, Pennsylvania honored Negri with a Lifetime Achievement in the Arts award for his dedication to music, education, television, and the community.

Looking back on his remarkable career in a 2018 interview with The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Negri said he had no regrets.

“It’s been a great life,” he said. “I’ve really enjoyed teaching and am very proud to be one of the originals to bring jazz guitar into schools.”

For millions of viewers who grew up watching Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, Negri will be remembered as a gentle, talented presence in one of the most comforting shows in television history.

He leaves behind a legacy of music, kindness, and memories that helped shape childhoods across America.