Joseph Giangrosso, 79, Independence, MO, passed away Sunday, February 26, 2012. Visitation will be 3-7 p.m. Tuesday, February 28, at Passantino Bros. Funeral Home, 2117 Independence Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64124, where the Rosary will be prayed at 5 p.m. Family and Friends will gather on Wednesday at Nativity of Mary Catholic Church, 10017 E. 36th Terr., Independence, MO 64052, where the Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Contributions may be made to the Nativity of Mary Building Fund. Online condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com.

Joe was born August 18, 1932 in Kansas City, MO to Sam and Annette (Pluchino) Giangrosso. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of Korea and was a member of Campo-Manfre-Barbieri Post 151 of the American Legion and NAFTS. Joe was a member of Sheet Metal Workers Local 2. He was past-president of the Greater Kansas City Chapter of UNICO, and was a member of the Rumabala Club. He was also an honorary warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say.

Joe is survived by his wife, Clara Mae (Grisafe) Giangrosso; sons and daughters-in-law, Joe Mike and Sandy Giangrosso, Steven and Anne Giangrosso; daughter and son-in-law, Marie and Garry McCracken; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Tom and Florence Grisafe; aunt, Josephine Passantino; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Pallbearers: Joe Pecoraro, Paul Grisafe, A.J. McCracken, Nicholas McCracken, Patrick Bergen, Ryan Wescott.

Honorary Pallbearers: Phil Balano, Joe Brocato, Joe Mike Christifano, Frank Martino, Anthony Pace, Billy Norvell.

The family offers their thanks to Dr. Pak and Dr. Haines, and the amazing staff at St. Luke's CVICU for their care and compassion. Also a very special thank you to Amy Cirese for all her support during Joe's stay at St. Luke's