Joseph M. Cannova, 91, of Prairie Village, Kansas, passed away on January 22, 2025.

Joe was born on November 25, 1933, to Sam and Clara (Rima) Cannova. He was the eldest of three brothers. Joe attended Donnelly College and later served in the Navy as a medic aboard the USS Wasp aircraft carrier, where he served alongside his brother Mike.

In 1958, Joe married the love of his life, Rosalie (LoPorto), and together they raised three daughters: Clara, Jodi, and Dee Dee.  Joe enjoyed a fulfilling career with Major Brands Wholesale Liquors, where he worked for over 50 years and forged lifelong friendships.

Joe was known for his boundless energy and love of life. He was always on the move, whether heading to lunch with family or friends, chatting with grocery store employees, or making a trip to the casino. Joe and Rosalie shared a passion for travel, embarking on numerous European adventures with friends and family. He also cherished time spent golfing with his buddies.

After Rosalie's passing in 2022, Joe moved to Mission Chateau, where he thrived. He embraced his new community, becoming a fixture on bingo nights and forming meaningful connections with residents and staff who quickly grew to love him. A deeply religious man, Joe rarely missed Mass and attended communion services daily at Mission Chateau.

Joe was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rosalie Cannova ; his parents, Sam and Clara (Rima) Cannova; his in-laws, Frank and Josephine (Saragusa) LoPorto; his brother, Mike Cannova; and his grandson, Sam Paris.

He is survived by his children: Clara and Joseph Paris, Jodi and Dave Belpedio, and Dee Dee and Marion Battaglia. Joe also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: T.J. Jarvis, Joe Paris (Liz), Joe Jarvis (Allie), David Belpedio (Molly), Brad Jarvis (Natalie), Laura Belpedio, Nicolas Battaglia, and Frank Paris. His great-grandchildren include Emilia Rose Paris, Olive Rose Belpedio, Theodore Joseph Paris, Leonardo Onelio Jarvis, William Henry Paris.   He is also survived by his brother and sisters-in-law Carl and Tommie Cannova, and Cathy Cannova.

Services will be held on Tuesday, January 28, at Curé of Ars Catholic Church in Leawood, Kansas. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. with the Funeral Mass at 11:30 a.m. Entombment will be Mount Olivet Mausoleum.

Joe's grandchildren will serve as pallbearers.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Nassif, Liz Malone, and all of the compassionate caregivers. Special thanks to Samantha and the staff of Monarch Hospice. A special debt of gratitude is owed to Peaches Cunningham and the Mission Chateau staff, who became like a second family to Joe, enriching his life and ensuring his time there was full of joy and comfort.

Joe's unwavering faith, love for his family, and zest for life will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.