Joseph C. Accurso, 95, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2021 surrounded by his loving family. He was born and raised in the Northeast area of Kansas City, graduating from Paseo High School and attended Kansas City University (UMKC).  He married the love of his life, Augustine (Rinella) Accurso, 72 years ago and they lived out their love story.  Joe was a proud World War II veteran where he served as a waist gunner on a B17 completing 35 bombing missions over Europe for which he was awarded the Air Medal with 3 oak leaf clusters.  After the war, Joe owned and operated several successful bar businesses including the Red Lion on 12th & Oak and the Bigger Jigger on St. John & Belmont.

Joe was never seen without his loving wife Augustine. For 72 years, the pair attended every wedding, birthday, funeral, and family event arm-in-arm.  In their later years, they enjoyed their weekly visits to Ameristar casino, Cascone's and Anthony's Restaurant; but nothing brought them more joy than stopping in each week to see their grandson at Cumpy's Sports & Apparel.

Ultimately, Joe was a true people-person, a family man – a faithful, committed, and loving husband, a supportive, caring and nurturing father and grandfather, and always there for any family member or friend in need. Joe was an amazing role model. He brightened any room with his smile, a kind word, or compliment.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joe & Angeline Accurso; his brother Anthony Accurso; and sister Grace Johnson; as well as his in-laws, Anthony & Angeline Rinella, brother-in-law Anthony Rinella, and grandson Ryan Harris. He is survived by his loving children Joseph A. Accurso (Maria), Anthony Accurso, Angela Romano (Chuck), Mary Dold (John), Michael Accurso (Rachelle), and Rosella Favoroso (Frank); his 24 adoring grandchildren, Joseph S. Accurso (Angela), Laura Mulcahy (Marty), Giovanna Accurso, Matthia Accurso (Kathryn), Augustine Accurso, Anthony Accurso, Isabel Accurso, Francie Bonadonna (Jimmy), Andrew Romano (Jeanine), Jenni Dold, Michael Dold, Jonathan Dold (Kayla), Matthew Dold, Dominic Accurso, Nicholas Accurso, Michael Accurso, Deanna Harris, and Joe Mike Favoroso as well as 23 great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by his sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, John Rinella (Carol) and Sue Rinella; as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the incredible care Joe received over the last 3 months from Preferred Care Home Health and Kansas City Hospice – the kindness, care, and love was very much appreciated.

Services will be held on Tuesday, March 30, at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church, 6415 NE Antioch Road, Gladstone, MO 64119, with the Visitation at 10:00 a.m. and the Funeral Mass immediately following at 12 p.m. Masks and social distancing are required for the services. A private burial will follow the services at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Joseph S. Accurso, Matthia Accurso, Anthony Accurso, Andrew Romano,  Michael Dold, Jonathan Dold, Matthew Dold, Dominic Accurso, Nicholas Accurso, Michael Accurso, and Joe Michael Favoroso.

Condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com