Joseph Ragusa, 78, passed away Wednesday, March 1, 2017, surrounded by his loving family. The Rosary will be prayed at 4 p.m. followed by Visitation from 4:30 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, March 5, at Passantino Bros. Funeral Home, 2117 Independence Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64124. The Mass of Christian Burial will be 12 p.m. Monday, March 6, at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church, 6415 NE Antioch Rd., Gladstone, MO 64119, followed by burial at White Chapel Memorial Gardens.

Joe was born January 17, 1939, in Kansas City, MO, to Charles and Maria (Pagano) Ragusa. Joe was everyone's favorite uncle, from his own nieces and nephews to his friends' grandchildren.  There wasn't a child he didn't love and spoil. His favorites eventually became his own grandkids who were the center of his world.  He had the softest heart not only for children but there was not an animal he didn't love and many seemed to find their way to his home. Joe was one of kind and a loyal friend who was never one to miss a game of gin or an evening "supervising" at his nephew's deli.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Tony and Pete Ragusa; brothers-in-law, George DiGiovanni and Joe Cuda; and nephew, Pete Ragusa Jr.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Gerry Ragusa; his children, Maria Ragusa, Carl Ragusa (LuAnn), Paula O'Rear (Jeff); grandchildren, Nicki, Joseph and Carl Ragusa, Michelle and Melaina O'Rear; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Carol and Frank Poppa, Annita Cuda, Virginia DiGiovanni; and many nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers: Joe Mike Ragusa, Anthony DiGiovanni, Michael Poppa, Joe Pete Christiano, Sal Abbott, Michael Pizzichino, Tony Mike Nigro.

Honorary Pallbearers: Frank Poppa, Dominic Messina, Pete Simone, Johnny Joe Sciortino, Frank DeLuna, Jim Moretina, Willie Cammisano, John Palma, Alex Garcia.

Condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com