John Distefano, Jr.

1925 - 2016

On the morning of July 26th, 2016, John Distefano Jr. of Platte County passed away peacefully with his family by his side. He was 90 years old.

John was born September 22, 1925 in the Columbus Park area, the oldest son of Lena and John Distefano Sr. He attended Karnes Elementary School and Manual High School. He began his vocational studies as a machinist during his senior year and learned his craft at W.W. Brown Machine Works.

John served in the United States Army during World War II, stationed in Hawaii and Japan. After the war, John returned to W.W. Brown to complete his apprenticeship. He was also employed at American Can Company and Trans World Airlines, ending his career in 1991.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Lena; infant sister, Teresa; brother, Anthony and his wife Barbara; and nephew Dante.

John is survived by his wife Josephine (Donnici); sons, John and wife Katherine of Parkville; Paul; and Mark and wife Susan of Santa Monica, CA. He is also survived by grandchildren Nicholas, Laura, Benjamin and Nathan; brother and sister-in-law, Anthony and Paula Donnici; and sister-in-law, Annette Belfonte.

Visitation will be Thursday July 28, from 2-7 p.m. at Passantino Bros. Funeral Home 2117 Independence Blvd. Kansas City, MO. 64124, where the rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday July 29th at St. Therese Church, 7207 NW Highway 9, Kansas City, Mo 64152. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be gifted to the St. Therese North Food Pantry.

The family would like to thank Dr. Thomas LaBruzzo for his care of John for many years. A special thank you to the staff of Galway House and Crossroads Hospice for their thoughtfulness and compassion.

John was a good brother, son, devoted husband and loving father. His legacy is one of courage and wit in the face of adversity, and his love of family and lifetime friends. Grief is the last gift we have to give to those we loved. Where there is much grief, there was much love.

Pallbearers: Alan McCalla, Mike Belfonte, Jim Hansen, John Baccala, Bruce Cappo, Drew Hemphill.

Condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com