Joseph Roy "Joe" Exposito

Joe was born on February 17, 1944, to Leroy and Maxine Exposito. He graduated from De La Salle High School in Kansas City in 1962, where he was a standout football player. During his high school years, Joe became the first recipient of the prestigious Thomas A. Simone Memorial Award, honoring the most outstanding high school football player in the Kansas City area. His friendships from those years lasted a lifetime.

Joe continued his football career in college, playing at Kansas University, Northwest Missouri State, and ultimately Southwestern Louisiana (now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette), where he graduated in 1967. Football was a source of great pride for Joe, and he treasured the memories made on the field.

In 1975, Joe met Cynthia Russell at a local bar during a spirited game of “Name That Tune.” They married in 1976 and made their home in Kansas City, MO, raising three children: Bryan, Amy Jo, and Amanda.

Joe spent much of his professional life in the car business and found joy in hobbies like golf and poker. He was happiest on the golf course, where he spent countless hours perfecting his game and enjoying the time spent with Bryan and friends.

Joe is survived by his wife, Cynthia; his children, Bryan Exposito, Amy Torres, and Amanda McIntyre (Phil McIntyre); his eight grandchildren: Sydney, Amiyah, Jack, Grace, Lillian, Sophia, Chloe, and Julia; his siblings, John Exposito, Suzanne Kaley (Bill), Mike Exposito, Pat Exposito (Jill), and Chris Exposito (Billie). He was preceded in death by his parents, Leroy and Maxine Exposito; his brother, David Exposito; his sister-in-law, Sharron Exposito; and his nephews, David Exposito Jr., Blake Exposito and Mike Kaley.

A celebration of Joe’s life will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Hillside Christian Church in Kansas City at 11:30 AM. Lunch will follow the service. All are welcome to attend and share memories of Joe.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to The First Tee of Greater Kansas City in Joe’s memory. The First Tee works to enrich the lives of young people through golf and character education, reflecting Joe’s passion for the sport. Donations can be made at www.firstteekc.org/donate.