John Joseph Distefano

John Joseph Distefano, 68, Kansas City, MO, lost his battle to cancer and passed away peacefully Wednesday, November 19, 2003, at his home. Funeral Mass will be 9:30 a.m. Saturday, November 22, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 911 E. Missouri Ave., Kansas City, MO 64106. Burial in Mt. Saint Mary's Cemetery. Friends may call 3-9 p.m. Friday at Passantino Bros. Chapel, 2117 Independence Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64124, where the Rosary will be said at 7 p.m. John was born July 11, 1935 in Kansas City, MO, to Carl and Fanna Distefano. He was a member of Teamsters Local 955, and worked for Milgram Food Stores/Wetterau, Inc. for 37 years as a truck driver. He was an avid race car fan and enjoyed traveling. John was a devoted husband and loving father and grandfather who was actively involved in his grandchildren's lives. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends who were privileged to have known him and shared in his life. John was preceded in death by his mother and father, and his son, Carl Joseph Distefano. Survivors include his wife, Lou Distefano; daughters and sons-in-law, Antionette and Bart King, Paula and Mickey Younghanz, Debbie and Tim Reek; grandchildren, Alexis King, Santina King, Bart King Jr., Andrea Watson, Michael John Younghanz, Tim Reek, Antonia Reek; two great-grandchildren; uncle and aunts, Joe Distefano, Marie Smith, Anna Distefano; and many cousins and friends. Pallbearers: George Distefano, Sal Distefano, Anthony Bonavia, Bart King Jr., Lou Walton, Brian Bennett, Don Page. Honorary Pallbearers: Nick Distefano, Carl Anthony Distefano, Ross Distefano, Bobby Joe Gulotta. The family wishes a special thank you to Odyssey Healthcare Inc. (Hospice), and John's nurses, Debbie, Cindy, Laticia and Cindi; also to his doctors who gave us the gift of more time with John, Dr. Phillip Hylton, Dr. Michael DiBernardo, Dr. Ellman and Dr. Sara Taylor. (Arrangements: Passantino Bros. Funeral Home (816) 4712844)