Joseph Michael Christifano, known to everyone as Joe Mike, passed away at home with his family in Kansas City on August 17, 2024.

Joe Mike was born on October 10, 1933, and was a lifelong Kansas City resident. He grew up in the northeast area of Kansas City where he made lifelong friends. Joe Mike graduated from Manual High School and then joined the United States Army following his four older brothers into the military. He served in the Korean War, stationed in Okinawa. He would remain proud of his service to our country for the rest of his life. Shortly after returning home, he married Phyllis Orlando, and they shared 68 loving years together.

Joe Mike made a career as an electrician and was a 60-year member of the IBEW. He was also known to help family and friends with whatever they asked. He was a member of UNICO, Northland Optimist Club, and Knights of Columbus. Joe Mike was a Boy Scout leader, where he was a member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and watching the Kansas City Royals. He loved busting chops with friends. Although not tall in stature, Joe Mike was a giant in character.

More than anything, he loved his family. He remained close to his brothers and always had a special place in his heart for his baby sister Agnes. He attended any event, anywhere, that involved his children or grandchildren. He considered himself a wealthy man, not in dollars, but by his relationship with his family.

Later in life, he became the handyman of his neighborhood and made sure everyone was taken care of. He was appointed "mayor", making rounds in his golf cart. Joe Mike was successful at many things in his life, but he never mastered the use of his cell phone or computer. They just didn't get along!

He will be at rest with his parents Alfonso and Anna Christifano; mothers and father-in-law Nancy Orlando, Louis Jr. and Helen Orlando; brothers and sisters-in-law Anthony and Anna Mae Christofano, Jerome and Carol Christofano, Mary Frances Christofano, sister and brother-in-law Agnes and Marion Saladino, and brother-in-law Louis Orlando III.

He will be sadly missed by his wife Phyllis; daughter and son-in-law Anna and Jimmy Balestrere; sons and daughters-in-law Al and Susan Christifano and Louis and Kerry Christifano; grandchildren Mary Jo and William Pettit, James P. Balestrere, Felicia and Cody Bost, Nancy and John O'Rourke, Joey and Danielle Christifano, Louis Christifano Jr. and Samuel Christifano; great grandchildren Taylor, Carter, Aidan, Dominic, Aubrey, George, Rocco, Asher and Ralph; brothers and sisters-in-law Angelo Christofano, Marie Christofano, Simon and Antoinette Christofano, Arlene Orlando and Don and Lucille Orlando; along with countless other family and friends.

Services will be held at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 1357 NE 42nd Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64116. On Thursday, August 22, the Rosary will be prayed at 4:00 p.m. followed by Visitation 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Church. The Funeral Mass will be 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 23 at the Church. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery, Kansas City North.  In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St Pius X High School, 1500 NE 42nd Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64116.

Pallbearers: William Pettit, John O'Rourke, Joey Christifano, Cody Bost, Louis Christifano Jr. and Samuel Christifano.