Joseph Michael Bonacorso

2005 - 2023

Joseph Michael Bonacorso, “Joe Mike,” 18, passed away September 24, 2023. The Rosary will be prayed at 4:00 p.m., followed by visitation from 4:30 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, October 9th at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church, 6415 NE Antioch Rd, Gladstone, MO 64119. The Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 10th at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church [ LIVE STREAM ]. Entombment will immediately follow at Resurrection Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested in care of Passantino Bros. Funeral Home.

Joe Mike was born July 20, 2005, to John Anthony Bonacorso and Rosa Marie Patnett. He was a student at Staley High School and was excited to be graduating this coming May 2024. He had plans to attend trade school to become an electrician or diesel mechanic after graduation.

Joe Mike was a hard worker and started working at the age of 14 with the Liberto family at Giovanni’s Italian Deli and Pasta and with his uncle and aunt at Humdinger Food Truck. He loved working with family and continued to work with his dad, papa, and uncles of the Bonacorso family at Mr. B’s Lawn Care and Excellent Cleaning. He was very independent and ambitious. In 2021, the year he turned 16, he had saved up enough money to purchase his first truck. He took great pride in that accomplishment and enjoyed spending time working on his truck.

Joe Mike was kind, generous, and died a hero. He loved his family above all and would do anything to help and protect them, especially looking after his two sisters. His smile was contagious. He gave the best bear hugs that brought much comfort and security to family and friends. Joe Mike loved spending time with family. He enjoyed pasta and meatball Sundays with both the Bonacorso and Liberto families. He especially loved shoes, as he took great care and pride in his shoe collection. Joe Mike also had a love for sports, especially baseball. He played baseball as a young kid and was an avid Yankees fan. He never missed an opportunity to watch them play against the Kansas City Royals. He also loved watching the Chiefs play with his family, especially his dad.

Joe Mike was a great friend to many. His laugh was contagious, and he made many fun memories with his friends through a variety of activities including bocce, fishing, late night food runs, listening to music, video games, and wiffle ball. He touched many lives and loved each of them dearly.

Joe Mike had a strong Catholic identity and loved God. He displayed and loved Psalm 37:4 -

“Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

Losing Joe Mike has been devastating for the entire family. The loss of him will leave a hole in our hearts forever. He will forever be missed as our Joe Mikey, our Joe Joe, our Little Daddy, our Bubby.

Joe Mike was preceded in death by paternal great-grandparents Joe and Josephine Bonacorso Sr., Geraldine Shepherd, and Arthur Shepherd; maternal great-grandparents John and Rosa Liberto; and great-uncles Arthur Shepherd and Fred Shepherd.

Joe Mike is survived by his father John Anthony Bonacorso; mother Rosa Marie Patnett; sisters Rosaria Greenberg (Michael Vacchio) and Sofia Bonacorso; paternal grandparents Joe and Diane Bonacorso (Papa and Nani); and maternal grandparents Isabella Liberto Patnett (Nana) and Joe Patnett (Papa Joe). Joe Mike is also survived by aunts and uncles Celita Garcia (Godmother) and husband Carl Joseph, Joe John Bonacorso (Godfather), and Michael Bonacorso and wife Nicole. He is survived by first cousins Isabella Garcia, Lily-Ana Garcia, Josephine Bonacorso, and Milani Bonacorso. Joe Mike leaves behind several great-uncles and great-aunts including Sam Liberto, Frank Liberto and wife Cathy, Joe Liberto, Nancy Liberto, Vince Liberto and wife Tammy, Ross Liberto and fiancée Amber, Cathy Genova and husband Pete, Gene Shepherd and wife Mary, Marie Martin and husband Joe, and Phil Bonacorso. In addition, Joe Mike leaves behind many cousins and family members that loved him very much.

Pallbearers: Vincent Occhipinto, Vito Occhipinto, Michael Mange, Michael Cusimano, Nicco Calandrino, Carlo Siraguso, Daniel Galetti, Jack Wille, and Parker Graham.

Honorary Pallbearers:  Rosario Liberto, Joey Presko, Giorgio Termini, Joseph V. Occhipinto, Victor Spano, John Mandacina, Aidan Coons, Carl Molle, Vince Bonadonna, Salim Lajam, Dominic Bjork, Jack Scimeca, Anthony Martin, Charlie Genova, Petey Genova, Gene Shepherd and Sal Mormino.

Condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com