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Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Guitarist Joe Negri Dies at 99

Joe Negri, the beloved guitarist and handyman from "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," passed away on May 30 in Pittsburgh at the age of 99. His family announced the death of the musician, who began working with Fred Rogers in the early 1960s.

Variety Music·Jun 12, 2026·via Variety Music

Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Guitarist Joe Negri Dies at 99

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Jun 12, 2026 11:46am PT

Joe Negri, Guitar Player and Handyman on ‘Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,’ Dies at 99

By Arushi Jacob

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Arushi Jacob

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Joe Negri , the musician best known for his work as the guitar-playing handyman on “ Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood ,” died May 30 in Pittsburgh. He was 99.

Negri’s death was announced by his family .

Negri and Fred Rogers first worked together in the early 1960s on a local Pittsburgh children’s TV show. From 1968 through 2001, Negri played “Handyman Negri” on the popular PBS show “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” Negri often appeared on screen singing and playing his guitar, and eventually became the proprietor of the neighborhood music shop. In total, Negri appeared on 331 episodes of the long-running series throughout its entire run. Negri occasionally performed alongside guest stars such as Yo-Yo Ma, Tony Bennett and Wynton Marsalis.

Born on June 10, 1926, in Pittsburgh, Negri began playing guitar at age 3 and performed on the radio as a child. He also worked as a professional musician as a teenager and toured nationally with bands in the 1940s before serving in the U.S. Army during World War II.