Many knew him as Joe Pace the showman. Family referred to him as "Little Joe". Joseph Charles Pace was of a community rooted in Old Northeast KCMO. Family is the bedrock for which a fruitful future would be built, with particular appreciation for Uncles Jasper, Tony and Tommy for being the role models and guidance needed. Raised with a keen focus and interest in car culture and mentored by his Uncle Tony Pace of Pace's Auto Parts, he acquired all the knowledge and support he could to start his own route to accomplishment.

Eventually, Joe & Connie opened their own family business in 1978 then the storefront in 1980 and Pace's Body Shop was established. This endeavor had many ups and downs as any business might. In time, the storefront closed as surrounding factors changed. Life has many turbulent circumstances, but we always felt the comforting encouragement of the family and friends that we are truly blessed to have had through these many years. Growing up in The Shop on The Avenue and in Dogpatch (Blue Summit) and with the Fire Departments, I witnessed an endless army of people. Whether there for work, support or to socialize, it often felt like people coming together to make something happen, and in it, lifting us all up. It was a community and I am honored to have been any part of it.

But I must be honest, there were also plenty of terrible times. We grapple with the confounding behavior and choices he made and eventually a bitterness that corroded relationships. But all that is done. My father has died and Pace's Body Shop may be gone but what it all meant will be with us forever as will my love for all of you that helped try so hard to make the dreams come true. Even though things often ended up distressing, I consider myself ever fortunate to have lived a life with so many good people surrounding it.

I hope to see you all again soon and frequently.

On behalf of myself, Joseph Spinello Pace (Joey), sisters Nycki and Heather and brother Shannon, with great appreciation and respect to our Mother Connie and Grandparents Joe & Bea (Geraci) Spinello for without their love, support and patience Pace's Body Shop would not have been able to grow and become more than a dream that touched so many people's lives, Thank You.

We hope to see our beloved family, friends and old neighbors at a celebration of being part of a grand community and legacy that all of us in it share. In the spirit of a family reunion to be held on Sunday, May 3rd, from 12 Noon to 3:00 p.m. at the American Sons of Columbus, 2415 Independence Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri 64124