Joseph ‘Joe’ Passanise passed from this life into eternal life on Thursday, January 6, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. He was 79. He is survived by his three children: Joseph S. Passanise, Angela M. Coogan (David), Elizabeth A. Ott (Kirby); seven grandchildren; one brother Paul S. Passanise (Eileen). He was a dear uncle, cousin and friend to many.

Born February 16, 1942 to the late Sam and Mary Passanise, he was a proud Italian whose family lived on ‘The Hill’ in St. Louis, Missouri. After graduating from Southwest High School in 1960, Joe attended St. Louis University, where he was a member of Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity and earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. His employment began with McDonell Douglas, then continuing his career as a Traffic Engineer with St. Louis County Department of Highways and Traffic, retiring after 30 years of service.

He loved learning and in 2003, he graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a Master of Arts in International Affairs. Through the years, he was active in many organizations: serving as President of Saint Monica Catholic Church Athletic Association, coaching his daughter’s soccer teams, acting as Vice-President for Missouri Citizens for Life, serving as President of St. Louis-Boger (Indonesia) Sister Cities Program, and as an active member of Toastmasters International Organization, achieved the highest Toastmaster Award in 2005. Joe was a man of faith, and he had a passion for his Italian heritage, country and politics. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

A private celebration of life will be scheduled at a future date.