A new scholarship, the Joseph J. Negro Memorial Scholarship, has been inaugurated at Iron Mountain High School, thanks to a generous gift provided by Joseph J. Negro in his trust upon his passing. The inaugural scholarship will be awarded at the IMHS Commencement ceremony on May 24, with a value of $6,000.
Joseph J. Negro, aged 92, passed away on Wednesday, November 9, 2022, at Marshfield Medical Center-Dickinson, Iron Mountain. Born on September 4, 1930, in Iron Mountain, he was the son of the late Joseph and Lucy (Nagro) Negro Sr. He spent his entire life in Iron Mountain and graduated from Iron Mountain High School in 1948.
Following his graduation, he worked at Negro’s Grocery Store alongside his father before joining the Army in January 1952. After serving for 16 months stationed in Japan, he was honorably discharged in December 1953. Subsequently, he pursued higher education at Michigan State University, earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration with a major in accounting.
Upon completing his education, he briefly worked in Washington D.C. with the U.S. government in the General Accounting Office before returning to Iron Mountain in 1960. There, he served as an accountant with Fleury Singler & Company until his retirement in 2013. He cherished the camaraderie of his colleagues at Fleury Singler, considering them his second family.
Beyond his professional life, Negro was an avid reader, enjoyed bowling, and was a loyal supporter of the Green Bay Packers and Michigan State Spartans. He relished travel, particularly annual trips taken with his sister. A steadfast member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, he served in various capacities throughout his life.
Applicants for the Joseph J. Negro Memorial Scholarship must be graduating seniors of Iron Mountain High School, demonstrating financial need, and intending to pursue a degree at an accredited two or four-year college/university or other educational/technical institution in their chosen field. Additionally, applicants must have maintained a GPA of 2.0 or above during their high school career.
“Joe was a generous, kind, and humble man who felt a strong allegiance to his town, his church, and the school where he received his education,” remarked Joe’s sister, Patricia.
Iron Mountain High School expresses profound gratitude for this significant contribution, which will undoubtedly benefit deserving students for years to come.
