Joseph Anthony "Joe" Lusco, 65, passed away March 8, 2017, at St. Luke's Hospital, surrounded by his loving family and devoted friend John Picone.  A Memorial Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Saturday, March 25, at Passantino Bros. Funeral Home, 2117 Independence Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64124. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to help the family with funeral expenses: gofundme.com/joe-lusco-funeral-expense-campaign

Joe was born December 4, 1951, in Kansas City, MO, the only child of Vincent "Shay" and Victoria (Manzella) Lusco. He graduated from Rockhurst High School in 1969 and tended bar for many years at various locations.  In 1980, he married Debby Whitsitt, and although the marriage ended in 1992, they always remained friends.  Joe had many careers over his lifetime that all paid homage to his genuine love of people.  After owning & operating California Tan in Leawood, he found he had a knack for selling cars.  He became passionate about the auto industry and dedicated the last 25 years of his life to matching the right car with the right customer.  His career included mentoring others and turning customers into friends. His dedication, work ethic and passion for his work brought him to Lee's Summit Honda where he worked as a manager from 2000 to 2017.

Joe was survived by numerous cousins, extended family and many friends.  He had a tender heart and was known to have "friends all over", like his father. He was devoted to his parents, loved his aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and extended work family. Even his cat Kiki, who he had for 20 years, was a cherished member of his family. Get-togethers were always more fun with Joe's stories, humor and love of food and drink. As the consummate host, Joe always made sure everyone had everything they needed.

A loving, adventurous spirit, Joe will be greatly missed.

Condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com .