Matthew "Gene" Molinaro was welcomed into our Loving  Lords Arms, December 6th, 2019, at age 93.  He passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family.  He fought a courageous battle for six months, due to health complications.  He promised he would fight until his last breath, and he did; with faith, determination, and never a complaint.

Gene was born on July 9th, 1926 to Frank Molinaro and Josephine (Marra) Molinaro. He was the youngest of seven children.

He was a World War II Veteran, enlisted in the U.S. Navy.  He served our country on a naval destroyer from November 28th, 1944 to May 6th, 1946.  Upon returning from service, he worked for the Jackson County Courts, and later years as a sales representative.

He married the love of his life and best friend Grace Leone.  They spent sixty-nine years together and would have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on May 24th, 2020.  Throughout these years, she dotingly cared for him, and he was always there for her. They were seldom apart in their golden years.

Gene always made himself available for his children and grandchildren, anytime night or day. His home was always welcoming to friends and family.  He loved watching movies, listening to big band music, and discussing current world news.  Our family appreciates and cherish the many life lessons we have learned from him.  He brought a sense of calmness into any hectic situation, and that is such a comforting gift we shall all miss.

He was a past commander of Campo-Manfre-Barbieri American Legion Post, and a member of 40/8 Legion Post.  He had many interests through the years.  He looked forward to having lunch with his pals at Cascone's.  He enjoyed a monthly card club that he and Grace belonged to.  He loved to catch crawdads with friends and family and could boil the spiciest, hottest, best crawdads in town.  He loved holiday parades and fireworks on the 4th of July.  He'd listen to Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra songs on the deck while Andy would BBQ.  He looked forward to New Year's Eve.  He always said that time goes by so quickly, and he always looked forward to the new year, a time for new beginnings.  He took an interest in genealogy, which enabled his daughter and son-in-law to visit the birthplace of his dad, and visit the family still living in Marano Principato, Italy.

Gene and Grace cruised the Caribbean and Alaska.  They enjoyed their trips to Las Vegas with friends. And the many trips they took with family. One trip he took with his grandson Andy to Vegas was especially memorable to him because they met Rodney Dangerfield after a show in the casino.

A great joy was building their lake house in the Ozarks.  He would look forward to his weekend getaway.  He was so very proud of that accomplishment.  He loved fishing on the dock with his Zebco 33 fishing rod and reel.  Taking long pontoon boat rides and swinging on the porch swing with Grace and the grandkids.  He had an inquisitive nature and built his own BBQ smoker that he used for many years.  Gene was an excellent cook, and everything he prepared was to perfection and delicious!  He'd top off his meal with a glass of wine, and it was all good!

Gene was the wise patriarch of our family, whom everyone gravitated to.  He loved spending time with his family, and they with him.  Holidays with everyone around were very happy times to celebrate.  Gene had a great sense of humor, and super personality.  He always had a smile on his face.  He never sweat the small stuff, and always knew what was important in life.  He was very patient, calm, and kind.  A man of integrity through and through.

He has been a true blessing in all our lives and will be forever missed.  He was the best husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather we could have ever hoped to have.  He will be carried forever in our hearts!

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank S. Molinaro and Josephine (Marra) Molinaro;  sisters and brothers, Teresa Loria (Tony), Joseph Molinaro, Mary Loney, Jesse Odorosso (Frank), Virginia Lamia (Frank), James Molinaro; as well as his in-laws, Tony Leone and Mary Leone, Frank Mingrone, and Geneva Mingrone; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Anna Rizzuti (Louis), Carrie Ann Storms (Ralph), and Charles Haas.

He is survived by his beloved wife Grace Molinaro; his loving children Mari Jo Tidrow (Richard), Jim Molinaro (Florence), and Debbie Korona; his doting grandchildren, Andy Tidrow, Richelle Tidrow, Matthew Tidrow, Matthew J. Molinaro, Jennifer Molinaro, Tyler Korona (Julie), and Kristen Korona; and great-granddaughter, Trista Tidrow. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Jeanne Dimartino (Carl), Grace Rose Sanders (George), Clarene Haas, and Mary Frances Kimberlin (Jerry); as well as many nieces, and nephews.

Visitation will be 10 a.m. with the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, December 13, at St. Mark's Catholic Church, 3736 S. Lee's Summit Rd., Independence, MO 64055. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Matthew Molinaro, Tyler Korona, Vic Terranella, Jim Getto, Pete Eliason, Mitch O'Conner.

Honorary Pallbearers: Andy Tidrow and Matthew Tidrow.

Condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com