Joseph Bia, beloved husband, father, Pop Pop, and veteran, passed away unexpectedly on May 7, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born on November 23, 1948, in the Bronx.
A proud United States Air Force veteran, he carried his sense of service throughout his life. He remained committed to supporting fellow veterans and volunteered his time with Lifespan of Greater Rochester, driving veterans to and from medical appointments.
He was employed by Xerox for 28 years before retiring from Gorbel in 2022. His work ethic, and commitment to doing things the right way was evident throughout his career.
He was also a passionate Mopar enthusiast who enjoyed classic cars, and the community that came with sharing that enthusiasm.Whether talking cars, helping others, or spending time with family, he brought dedication, loyalty, and passion to everything he did.
He is survived by his loving wife Loretta, children Lauren (Joe) Leunig, Michael (Arminda) Bia and three cherished grandsons.Brothers Frank (Peggy) Bia, Peter (Lynn) Bia, predeceased by Thomas Bia.
Calling hours at Richard H Keenan Funeral Home located at 7501 Pittsford Palmyra Rd, Fairport, NY 14450 on Saturday May 16, 2026, from 1 – 4 PM with service to immediately follow. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in his memory to the American Diabetes Association.
24 responses to “Bia, Joseph”
A man I aspire to be like. A great friend. A wonderful coworker. Was always so proud of his family. He was one who led by example and showed us the way. My family and I will miss him. Blessings and prayers to Loretta and the family.
What a shock! I’m so saddened by losing a friend. Joe and I were Xerox buddies. We worked together as high volume Tigers in NY. After I moved back to Michigan, he came here on a Gorbel business trip and we had dinner and reminisced. He was a wonderful man. RIP Joe.
Joe was one of the best. My sincere condolences to his family
I am heartbroken to hear of the unexpected passing of my old college study buddy. Even though life took us in different directions and we had lost touch over the years, I always considered him a dear friend and have many warm memories of the time we shared together. Perry and I send our thoughts and heartfelt condolences to Loretta, his family, friends, and all who loved him.
~Carol & Perry Cala
Wow! Joe and I were High volume Tigers for 15 years. A true professional. I wish Joe a truly wonderful and happy passing. Once a Tiger, always a Tiger. Steve Coote
Loretta,
Please accept my deepest condolences as you and your family navigate this incredibly difficult time. I am writing to send our collective care and support to you all.
Please know that your entire work family is thinking of you and keeping you in our thoughts. We wish you peace and comfort in the days ahead.
With deepest sympathy,
Michele and the Fairport Food Service Team
Our sincere prayers for Joe and his family. Loretta, May your Xerox Family provide comfort, support and many prayers.
Both Marie and I worked with Joe at Xerox. He was always willing to assist and provide help.
We have Many fond memories
Especially Joe’s childrens’sports.
Especially Michael’s youth football
Games
Along with Joe’s fun sense of humor.
Peace be with his entire family and family of friends
God Bless each of you
Love
Randy & Wendy Callin
For more than 50 years, Joe was not just a coworker to me — he was a dear friend. We first met while working together at Xerox, but our friendship quickly grew far beyond the workplace. Over the decades, our families became close as well.
Joe and his wife, Loretta, shared many wonderful times with my wife Barbara and me. We camped together, went on vacations, visited each other’s homes, and built a lasting friendship. Our children were born around the same time, and it was special to watch our families grow. Those years were filled with laughter, stories, and memories that I will always treasure.
Joe was a good man and a loyal friend. Through all the years, although we eventually lived a thousand miles apart, he remained someone whose phone calls and company I truly enjoyed. The memories we made together will stay with me for the rest of my life.
I will miss him very much. My thoughts and prayers are with Loretta and the entire family during this difficult time.
Still can’t believe it. One in a million. Joe wasn’t just a very close friend and neighbor but one of the greatest guys I have ever known. Mike and Kevin grew up together and were best friends and still are. We will miss you terribly. All our prayers and condolences are for you and your family.
John and Linda Cassata and family.
One of the founding fathers of the Rochester Mopars Car Club, still up and running today, thanks to people like our Joe. Always there for us, even an officer of the Club for a time, never without his beloved black Dodge Charger. Joe, we will miss you. Gary and Patti Voleshen.
Please accept my deepest condolences. I first met Joe many, many years ago at One Penn Plaza NYC when he was a Region Engr. Joe was truly special person with a unique sense of humor and I feel honored to have known him. Rest in Peace dear friend.
So sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. Condolences to his many friends and family.
Joe was such a great friend and tutor to me when I started xerox. I have nothing but good to say about him.
I’m sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. Working with him during his time with Gorbel was always a pleasure. He had such a calm demeanor. I am thankful to have gotten to see him briefly at one of the dinners of the last Gorbel sales meeting. When he came into the room you knew the impression he left on those he worked with was special. Everyone was excited to see him. May God provide peace and comfort to you after your period of mourning.
We are so very sorry for the loss of this great guy. We have known him forever. He was the Absolute Best Husband, Father, Father-in-Law, Grandfather, and Friend. Always a gentleman. He will be missed by all who were blessed to know him. Rest in Peace dear friend. Our condolences to my best friend Loretta, daughter Lauren, son Michael and to all the spouses and children. With all our Love and Sympathy Berta & Elliott Wilson and family.
I was so sad to hear about Joe. I had the pleasure of working with him at Xerox in Fairport, NY as a high volume technical support Tiger for many years. Joe was always supportive, easy to talk to, and had a great sense of humor. I always enjoyed his company and will remember him fondly. Sending my heartfelt condolences to Loretta and his family. God bless.
Im so saddened to hear of Joe’s passing. What an amazing man. He loved his family with so much heart. Joe and I always enjoyed sitting with Joe and Loretta at Lincoln events. Hold tight to your amazing memories.
I am very sorry to read about Joe’s passing. What a great dad he was- and a special person to know. My prayers are sent to Loretta, Michael, and Lauren.
Loretta and family. Pat and I are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I first met Joe at seminars as region engineers and later worked with him in field engineering. No matter the job, be it training, solving problems or improving future products, Joe was in 100%. Beyond that Joe was a true friend, always willing to help, and kept everything enjoyable with his sense of humor. He will be missed.
my sad regret too the family of joe joe was my lead tech at xerox he was a good leader and a great friend i shall miss communicating on email with him vince vaccaro
Loretta, Michael, and Lauren,
I was told today of Joe’s passing. I cannot tell you the how much he spoke of you while we worked together at Gorbel. I felt like I knew you – before I came to the house and actually got to know you. My prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Unbelievable! I met Joe when I was a new hire in Manhattan.(1977) Although he was not my primary specialist, I did work with him a lot when helping out on their team. Such a nice man, and such great role model for new employees. I remember him mostly for the fun we had, especially back then we had some “really different” personalities to deal with. Joe helped me navigate the waters and definitely left an impression on me. He was such a likeable guy.
As years went by, we both ended up in Fairport and my wife & I would run into Joe and Loretta at Rickie’s from time to time. I wish his family and friends peace & comfort knowing what a good man he was on earth.
I just found out about Joe’s passing. I first met him in 2013 on a tech visit he did to Mexico where I live and I considered him a friend from the beginning. We met a few times after that at Gorbel events. I got my current job thanks to him and he made a difference in my life. I loved his Bronx accent hehe. He was the best.