A fixture in the New York City region’s waste management service industry since 1999, Joe Tesi, Sr. passed away on December 28, at the age of 72. He was a beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend whose presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
As VP of Operations for City Waste Services of NY, Joe’s over 26-year career began in August 1972 as a chauffeur for the CT Carting Corp. In April 1999, he became VP of Operations for the company, serving NYC and its five boroughs, and expanding the business into the outer boroughs of New York City.
As one of the leaders behind CityWaste, since its founding in 1999, the history and values of this family-owned business began from a merger of two family enterprises that date back to the 1930s and 1940s.
For Joe, his career in New York’s waste management industry exemplified his commitment to family, sustainability, and community support. Understanding that sanitation and recycling are part of everyday life, Joe once recalled how his grandfather would collect ashes from potbelly stoves and repurpose them to make cinder blocks.
Backed by a legacy that began with horse-and-wagon trash collection, Joe fostered a deep sense of responsibility, not only to deliver exemplary services to the community but also to advance a vision for a greener New York and a sustainable future for generations to come.
Joseph is survived by his loving sons, John Tesi and his wife Flora, and Joseph Tesi Jr. and his wife Diana. He was a proud and devoted grandfather to Lola, Faye, Jiana, and Joseph, who brought him immense joy and happiness.
He is also survived by his siblings: Sal Tesi and his wife Karen, Jim Tesi and his wife Sue, and Genevieve Rubinstein and her husband Fred Rubinstein. Joseph leaves behind many nieces and nephews, as well as great-nieces and great-nephews, all of whom will cherish his memory.
Joseph was predeceased by his brothers, Michael Tesi and John Tesi, and his sister, Frances “Sis” Dannalfo.
Joseph will be remembered for his deep love of family, his kindness, and the lasting impact he had on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Funeral arrangements for Joseph Tesi will be held on Sunday, January 4, 2026 at Frederick Funeral Home, 192–15 Northern Blvd., Flushing. Followed by a Funeral Mass on Monday, January 5, 2026 at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, 215–35 38th Ave., Flushing, NY 11361.
