Announcing the Passing of Founding Board Member Joe Rota

Joe Rota held the positions of First Class Elevator Operator, Bellboy, Waiter, and Photographer aboard the Big U.

The Conservancy is heartbroken to learn that Joe Rota, 89, passed away peacefully on Monday, Sept. 5, 2022, at his home with his loving family by his side. A founding board member and former crew member, Joe was one of the biggest champions for the cause of saving his beloved SS United States. From his ferocious passion to his epic storytelling about his shipboard adventures, he infused our effort with so much heart, strategic guidance, and humor.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 10, 2022 at 2 p.m. at The Mountain Grove Memorial Church in Huletts Landing, New York. A full obituary will run in Saturday’s edition of The Post-Star. Arrangements are under the direction of the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St. in Hudson Falls.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to Joe’s favorite cause, the SS United States Conservancy, which will be sharing a fuller tribute to Joe in the coming weeks.