Joseph E. Sartori, Jr., age 92, of Elmira, NY, entered into eternal life peacefully at home on September 9, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Born in Williamsport, PA, on September 7, 1934, Joe was the son of the late Joseph E. and Mary Sartori. During his junior high school years, the family relocated to Auburn, NY, where Joe grew up alongside his siblings. A dedicated student and hard worker, Joe graduated from LeMoyne College in 1956 with a bachelor's degree in accounting. Just days later, on June 9, 1956, he married Rita, the love of his life, beginning more than seven decades of companionship, devotion, and family.

Joe began his professional career in Syracuse, New York, working for the accounting firm Hurdman and Cranstoun (later Main Hurdman) and successfully earning his CPA license. In 1967, looking to build his own practice and a future for his family, Joe moved his family to Elmira. His sharp mind for finance and dedication to public service quickly caught the attention of local leaders, leading to his appointment as Elmira City Chamberlain in 1968. On June 1, 1972, Joe was appointed Elmira City Manager. Just three weeks later, the historic and devastating Flood of 1972 struck the region. Joe was immediately thrust into a leadership role under extraordinary pressure, making critical decisions-including ordering early evacuations that protected the community and resulted in no loss of life in Elmira. With steady resolve, integrity, and a deep commitment to his neighbors, he guided Elmira through the immediate disaster, the complex aftermath, and the challenging years of rebuilding that followed. He held the position of City Manager until the end of 1983, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and public service. Following his tenure with the city, Joe transitioned into higher education finance, serving as the Director of Business and Finance at Corning Community College until his retirement in 1996.

Joe was deeply committed to his community and served on many local boards over the years, including the founding Board of Glove House and the Public Library Board. Most importantly he was a man of deep faith. As a devout Catholic who lived his faith in everything he did, he and Rita raised their children in the faith, attended Mass together and prayed the rosary daily, centering their lives on their shared devotion to the Lord.

Joe was predeceased by his infant son, Thomas Sartori; his brother, James Sartori; and his sister, Patricia Stein. He is survived by his beloved wife, Rita Sartori, with whom he recently celebrated 70 years of marriage. He leaves behind a legacy of love through his children: Joseph, III (Melinda) Sartori, Deacon Paul Sartori, Barbara Grau (Robert), David Sartori (Denise), Ann Brazinski (Scott), and Linda Waldbaum (Brian). He was the proud grandfather of 11 grandchildren and the great-grandfather of 9 great-grandchildren.

Joe will be remembered as a pillar of the Elmira community, a steady leader in times of crisis, and above all, a deeply dedicated family man who loved his wife and family unconditionally.

The family would like to thank Caitlyn's Home Health Care and Care First Hospice for making it possible for Joe to spend his remaining days at home and to pass in comfort and with dignity.

Family and friends are invited to attend services on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at St. Mary's Church, located at 224 Franklin St., Elmira, NY. A prayer service will be held by the Hibernians at 10:45 a.m., followed immediately by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. The Mass will be livestreamed. Please click this link: Elmira Catholic - YouTube. Committal prayers and burial will take place at St. Peter & Paul's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Joe's memory to the Parish of the Most Holy Name of Jesus (Elmira, NY), St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (Memphis, TN), or Care First Hospice (Corning, NY).