John Samuel Passiglia

John Samuel Passiglia, 77, Kansas City, MO passed away July 21, 2017. John Samuel Passiglia, born May 14, 1940, was the first-born son of Sam and Tina (Calegari) Passiglia. He graduated from Paseo High School in 1958 and received a degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City

On June 18, 1965, he was commissioned into the United States Navy where he served three tours of active military service in Vietnam. In December of 1968 he was Honorably Discharged from his service having received the Navy Unit Commendation medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Navy Air Medal.

In the early 70’s John became the leader of Explorer Post #217, where he impacted the lives of young men from the Kansas City Area. His love of wildlife lead to an U.S. Wildlife license and the rehabilitation and care of owls and other endangered birds.

In 1993 John became the owner and operator of Handy Hands, a small business focused on quality craftsmanship home repairs and remodels to people in and around the Kansas City Area. Through this business John added his personal touch to the homes and lives of so many.

While a craftsman by trade, John loved music. He often shared his love of music through his guitar. He was a member of the original New Christy Minstrels and the later Jubal Gospel Band and could often be found playing at Holy Spirit Episcopal Church.

The most amazing thing about John was his ability to see the world through the eyes of a child. Whether it was the dragon kite hanging in his man cave; the kaleidoscopes lining his book shelves; then endless parade of spiders, lizards, tortoises and other creatures he brought home; the trolls hiding in the corners or the wide variety of fidget spinners sitting around the house; John always brought a sense of joy and adventure to family and friends. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Tina Passiglia; his brother, Joseph Passiglia; his son, Tony Passiglia; his grandson, Samuel Hunt and his granddaughter, Allison Passiglia. John is survived by his wife Deborah Kelly; his daughter Angie Passiglia and husband John Hunt of Houston, TX; daughter Jennifer Passiglia of Winfield, KS; stepson Stephen M. Johns and wife Chrissy of DeSoto, KS; grandchildren Jonathan and wife Karley, Luke, Hannah, Zachary, Andrew, Hunter, Addison, Gabriel, Jacob, and Tucker, and great-grandchild Caden.

A Celebration of his Life will be held on Sunday, August 13, at Garozzo’s, 526 Harrison, Kansas City, MO, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Arrangements under the direction of Mt Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, Kansas City, MO.