JoCarole Guastello, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on May 6, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was 84.

She was born on July 9, 1941, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Charlie and Josephine (DiCapo) Vaccaro.

On November 23, 1963, JoCarole married the love of her life, Dr. Mario Guastello. Together, they built a life grounded in devotion, partnership, and shared purpose. JoCarole was a loving mother to her three children—George (Missy) Guastello, Charles (Lynn) Guastello, and MaryAnn (Matthew) Knopke—and a proud grandmother to nine grandchildren: George "Beck" (Sara) Guastello, Andrew (Maggie) Knopke, James "Jay" Guastello, David Knopke, Mark (Natalie) Guastello, Paul (Bridget) Knopke, Lynn Guastello, Caroline Knopke, and Catherine Knopke. She was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Rosemary Josephine and Henry Matthew Knopke, and a Guastello great-grandson expected in September.

JoCarole devoted herself not only to her family, but also wholeheartedly to her husband's career and to the greater Kansas City community. She served with passion and distinction on numerous boards and committees, including as Chair of the 1995 Tom Watson Children's Mercy Golf Classic and the St. Luke's Holly Ball. Her commitment to service also extended to the Folly Theater organization, Philharmonic League, Friends of Art, St. Luke's Auxiliary, and medical staff spouses' organizations.

JoCarole had a deep love of travel, delighting in adventures shared with family and friends, and she was a voracious reader who found joy and inspiration in books. She cherished her home in Naples, Florida, and treasured time spent with friends at Mission Hills Country Club, where laughter and companionship were always close at hand. Above all, nothing brought her greater happiness than being with those she loved—especially during her legendary Sunday dinners, where stories were shared, laughter filled the room, and love was always the centerpiece.

JoCarole's final days were spent in the loving care of the nurses and staff at Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care, where she was comforted and surrounded by her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie and Josephine Vaccaro; her brother, Victor Vaccaro; and her sister-in-law, Diane Vaccaro.

JoCarole's life was one of warmth, generosity, and unwavering devotion to those she loved. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished and the countless lives she touched.

Services will be held on Saturday, May 9, at St. Ann Catholic Church in Prairie Village, Kansas. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. with the Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. Following the Mass, a reception will be held at Mission Hills Country Club. Private burial will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care or the Alzheimer's Association.

Condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com