Joe was a first-generation Italian American; his parents moved to the US from Sicily and settled in Kansas City with other family members to build their own lives and family here. He was the youngest of four siblings, and the only boy. Growing up with Connie, Mary and Rose gave him a foundation on the importance of family – a devotion he carried throughout his life.
After bravely serving in WWII, Joe returned to live in Kansas City. He was a master carpenter and worked his entire career for Lusterlite Corporation as construction superintendent. He was later promoted to regional sales manager and traveled the Midwest extensively for his job.
Upon his discharge from the military, Joe married the love of his life, Velma. They were married for 58 years before Velma passed of leukemia in 2003. Together they raised three children: Joseph Jr., Kathaleen, and Marcia, and watched them all get married and have families of their own. They were so proud of this family – complete with seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Joe recently said, “All you kids did good. Married good people, raised good families.” There was not much higher praise coming from him.
Joe’s service in WWII was important to him. He was a sergeant in the United States Army serving in Guam and Saipan, the largest of the Northern Mariana Islands in the south Pacific. During that time he received three purple hearts for wounds received along other citations for bravery and service to his country. Joe carried the shrapnel in his back and the often difficult memories with him the rest of his days. As a proud veteran, he wore his WWII hat whenever he left home.
Joe embraced life – all of it. He worked hard to support his family, but also believed in playing hard once the work was done. He credited his long life to good genes, hard work, and a shot of whiskey at the end of the day. Happy hour on the driveway most days in retirement brought the neighbors over to visit before dinner. He and Velma also loved dancing -- at the VFW most weekends – but also at festivals, fairs, weddings and anywhere a live band was playing. He was a generous man – always willing to lend a hand to neighbors and friends. He was known as “the man who can fix anything.” Against his children’s judgement, he climbed ladders to trim trees or clean out gutters well into his 80s.
One of his granddaughters summed up her grandfather – Nani – this way, “He was sassy, funny and tough as nails. He lived a big, full life. We will miss him dearly, and am so sad to say goodbye. But he is finally with Nana – and he always said how excited he was to see her again.”
Memorial Services are private and limited to the family due to concerns over personal safety of family and friends at this time. Joseph is interred alongside his beloved wife, Velma, at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery, Kansas City Missouri.
Contributions in Joe’s name are suggested to the American Cancer Society or St Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
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