Joseph Edward LoTempio

Jul 17, 1951 — Apr 16, 2026

Bethesda MD

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Joseph Edward LoTempio – born July 17, 1951 In Rochester, NY, to Frank F. and Evelyn R. LoTempio, siblings Frank S. (Janet), Elizabeth (David) Grashof, and Stephen (Robin).

Along with many baby boomers, Joe was a 1st generation college graduate, completing his bachelor’s at SUNY Stony Brook and master’s program at Penn State, State College. But, the allure of a bigger world and aided by HIS big city dreams, brought him to the nation’s capital, Washington, DC, where he settled and built his life in the NW part of the District, near DuPont Circle. From humble beginnings not far from Charlotte slinging burgers at Schaller’s by the lakeshore, with a stint working at Rochester General Hospital, Joe spent his professional career in benefits with The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) in Arlington, VA, retiring in 2018.

Joe had a strong interest in the arts; finding pleasure in working with pastels, oils, and acrylics. He also found gemstones to be an intriguing pastime regardless of the source; frequenting gem shows, scouring during his travels, and appreciating those given as gifts.

Joe relished his self-appointed role as ‘amateur-professional tour guide’ in and around the Nation’s Capital! He did this with such enthusiasm, regardless of how many times he saw the sights, Joe always wanted his family to see something new or just enjoy the time of seeing it together and he appreciated this time spent with him. Joe also often spoke fondly of additional trips he’d taken; both nationally and internationally.

In his later life, Joe fought a valiant battle with lung cancer at Georgetown Medical, spending hours in chemo, radiation, and experimental immunotherapy. Joe’s final days were at The Kensington Bethesda under the care from the Mongomery Hospice team, and personal physician, Dr. Amanda Goldfarb.

Joe also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who always enjoyed his visits and his art. He will be greatly missed by friends and relatives across the country.

He will be placed in Holy Sepulchre’s All Saint’s mausoleum, near our mother, in Rochester, NY.

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Service Schedule

Upcoming Services

Mass

Saturday, August 8, 2026

Starts at 10:30 am (Eastern time)

Holy Cross Church

4492 Lake Avenue, Rochester, NY 14612

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Inurnment

Holy Sepulchre Cemetery

2461 Lake Avenue, Rochester, NY 14612

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