Joseph "Joe" Ogrodnick

June 6, 1945 – December 26, 2025

GENEVA, NY — Joseph "Joe" Ogrodnick, 80, of Geneva, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2025, at Geneva General Hospital, surrounded by the family he so deeply loved.

Joe was born on June 6, 1945, in Middletown, NY. A proud veteran, he served his country as a medic during the Vietnam War before pursuing his passion for biological photography. Joe was a trailblazer in his field, graduating from the Rochester Institute of Technology in 1972 as part of the very first class of Biological Photography.

His distinguished career began as a medical photographer at the University of Nebraska Medical Center of Omaha, where he also advanced his studies in journalism and communication. Joe later served as a senior photographer specialist at Cornell University's New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva. His expertise was acknowledged further during his 11-year tenure as the Managing Editor of The Journal of Biological Photography.

Beyond his professional achievements, Joe was a man of simple pleasures, who had a great sense of humor. An avid reader and cyclist, he found peace in nature and joy in making others laugh. Above all, Joe was a family man. He was the devoted husband of Lana (North) Ogrodnick and a loving father to Marcy (Mike) Koch and Jenny (Glenn) Xavier. He was a cherished "Pa" to his five grandchildren: Nicholas, Noah, Berenger, Evans, and Brie, who were the light of his life.

He is also survived by his sister, Patricia (Wayne) Walton, and his brother, Michael P. Ogrodnick, Jr.

In keeping with Joe's and his family's wishes, there will be no calling hours or services. Joe's legacy of kindness and laughter will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Joe's memory to One Simple Wish, https://share.google/wedvmeCsk84iBhKoY,  an organization dedicated to granting wishes to children and young adults impacted by foster care and crisis, or to a charity of your choice. Joe's family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Geneva General Hospital 2-West nursing staff and the University of Rochester Hospice Team for their compassionate care.