NEW ROCHELLE, NY (July 10, 2025) — Joseph F. Fosina, a beloved New Rochelle figure and longtime New York Yankees employee, died July 8 at 88, leaving behind a legacy of community service.
Fosina, known as the “Yankee tailor” since 1976, passed away at his New Rochelle home, surrounded by his wife of 67 years, Mickie, and their family. He had battled a brain illness that impacted his renowned storytelling and larger-than-life personality, according to his obituary.
Joe had a remarkable friendship with baseball legend Mariano Rivera. In 1995, Fosina met Rivera, then a rookie struggling with English and navigating New York. Fosina, 76 at the time, offered to drive Rivera from Eastchester to Yankee Stadium. “The equipment guy asked me to go down to the cab and explain how to get there because he knew I lived close by and I said, ‘No, I’ll drive him,’” Fosina recalled in a 2013 New York Post article.
That act of kindness sparked a 30-year friendship. Fosina helped Rivera, his wife Clara, and their 2-year-old find an apartment in New Rochelle. The families grew close, sharing backyard barbecues and life milestones. “Joe has been like family to me,” Rivera told The Post in 2013. “From that first day, we clicked. He helped me in amazing ways, giving me rides, back and forth, teaching me the ways of New York and everything about the Stadium.”
Their bond extended beyond the ballpark. Fosina joined Rivera in Panama in 1999, where Rivera personally handled his baggage and breezed through toll booths. Rivera also supported Fosina’s family, raising funds for hospital causes led by Fosina’s son Michael and presenting Fosina’s daughter Ann Marie with an award at Yankee Stadium.
Rivera’s generosity touched Fosina’s grandson Timmy, who received the closer’s game-used glove at age 11. “Mo gave me his game-used glove and said, ‘Bring this home to Timmy,’” Fosina said in 2013. “I told him, ‘No, this is your game glove.’ ‘That’s OK,’ Rivera said. ‘Timmy needs it.’”
Fosina’s impact reached far beyond baseball. A New Rochelle native, he served over 50 years with the New Rochelle Youth Tackle League, coaching and later presiding as president. The city honored him in 1997 by naming Joseph F. Fosina Field. He also served as Civil Service Commissioner for 21 years and on the New Rochelle City Council from 1992 to 2003.
A U.S. Army veteran, Fosina enlisted from 1956 to 1958, serving as a company clerk in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. After his service, he ran Glen’s Sports Shop before joining Raleigh Athletic Reconditioning, later acquired by Riddell, where he became a top salesman servicing the Yankees.
Fosina is survived by his wife, Marguerite “Mickie” Fosina, six children—John, Kenny, Gary, Michael, Ann Marie, and Danny—15 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. His honors include inductions into the New Rochelle Sports Hall of Fame.
Joe had a complete and fulfilling life, which we will celebrate. Visitation Services will be at Lloyd Maxcy & Sons Beauchamp Chapel in New Rochelle on Sunday July 13th and Monday July 14th between the hours of 4:00pm – 8:00pm with Funeral Services to be held at Holy Family Church on Tuesday July 15th at 10:30am with a burial services at Beechwoods Cemetery, immediately following the mass.
In lieu of flowers, the family request a donation be made in Joe’s name to Calvary Hospital. Memorial and Tribute Gifts – The Calvary Fund.
Obituary: Joseph F. Fosina December 3, 1936 – July 8, 2025