Joseph Anthony "Joe" Cuccia, 77, of Kansas City, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 10, from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Passantino Bros. Funeral Home. The Funeral Mass will be 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 11, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Mt. Saint Mary's Cemetery.

Joe was born on July 3, 1948, to Dominic and Mamie Cuccia. He was a man whose spirit was larger than life and whose presence could light up any room. Joe lived every day with his foot on the gas pedal and his heart wide open — full throttle, full of laughter, and full of love. One of his favorite sayings was, "Life is not a dress rehearsal," and he truly lived by those words every single day. He believed life was meant to be lived boldly, and he did exactly that.

He never met a stranger. Whether you knew him for five minutes or fifty years, Joe had a remarkable way of making everyone feel like family. His warm smile, quick wit, and genuine kindness left a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to know him.

From an early age, Joe discovered his gift as a barber, and it became far more than a profession — it was his passion and his calling. Behind the barber chair, he built lifelong friendships, shared stories, lifted spirits, and earned a reputation as one of the finest barbers around. People may have come for a haircut, but they stayed because of the man he was.

Above all else, Joe deeply loved his wife, Francesca. Their love story was built on friendship, loyalty, adventure, and countless cherished memories. Together, they shared a passion for travel and for making the most out of life, especially during their treasured trips to his favorite city, Las Vegas— a place that perfectly matched his energy, excitement, and love for living life to the fullest.

Though his passing leaves an unimaginable void, Joe's legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, the laughter he shared, and the love he gave so freely. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, loyal friend, gifted barber, and a man who truly lived life on his own terms.

A very special thank you is extended to his beloved niece Margie, who was always there for him with unwavering love. One of Joe's greatest honors was seeing her carry on the barbering skills he proudly taught her and having her cut his hair became a meaningful reflection of the bond they shared and the legacy he passed down with pride.

He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

Joe is survived by his loving devoted wife, Francesca (Caracci) Cuccia; sister Marie Brancato; father-in-law and mother-in-law John and Sandra Caracci; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Anthony and Jill Caracci, Vince and JoAnna Ribaudo; stepbrother Louis Palmisano; children Dominic (Yessica) Cuccia and Anna Jo Cuccia; grandchildren Antoinette, Ross, Joseph, Sal, Johnny, and Anthony Cuccia; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother Anna Palmisano Cuccia; beloved grandmother, Josie Begulia, affectionally known as "Nannie B"; brother and sister-in-law Sal and Rose Esther Cuccia; brother-in-law Joseph F. Brancato; and stepbrother Joseph Palmisano.

A special thank you to cousins John Bengimina and Joe Porrello for their unwavering love and support, and to Mrs. Katherine Leavell for the excellent care she provided to Joe.

Pallbearers: John Bengimina, Joe Begulia, Joe Pisciotta, Nick Haug, Joe Giglio, John A. Caracci.

Honorary Pallbearers: Joe Porrello, Dominic Messina, and Larry Gialde.

Condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com