Joseph Saracino's Obituary
Joseph Paul Saracino, son of Peter and Maria Mancini Saracino, was born May 26, 1917, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He departed this life Monday, July 17, 2006, in St. John’s Hospital, in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of eighty-nine years, one month, and twenty-one days. On August 9, 1944, he was united in marriage to Norma Louise Brown, and to this union two daughters were born. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Norma, on June 8, 2003; an infant daughter; six brothers; and two sisters. Joseph is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Cynthia and Jim Hicks, of Lebanon, Missouri; a grandson, Gary Paul Hicks, and his wife, Tammi, of Lebanon, Missouri; two great-grandchildren, Matthew Paul and Elaina Marie Hicks; a number of nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. He was born in Philadelphia and was raised in Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. He served in the Civilian Conservation Corps Camp for a time before entering the United States Army. During World War II, Joseph was stationed in Germany and Italy and took part in the European Theater. While stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, he met Norma, and they were soon married. Once he was honorably discharged from the Army, he and Norma made their home in Lebanon, Missouri, and lovingly raised their daughter. They operated the restaurant inside of the old Laclede Hotel and then ran the Yellow Jacket Restaurant for a few years. Joseph then went to work for the Kroger Store and later was a butcher for the I.G.A. Store for a number of years. When he semi-retired, he began buying, fixing up, and selling homes. Joseph made his profession of faith in Christ early in his life and was a longtime active member of Southern Heights Christian Church in Lebanon. In his spare time he enjoyed tinkering, running his traps, and working in his yard. He also liked visiting with his friends, playing cards, watching the St. Louis Cardinals and country western videos. His family was very important to him and he especially enjoyed his grandson and great-grandchildren. Joseph was a loving family man, a patriotic World War II veteran, and a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and his accomplishments and will treasure the memories he made for his family and friends. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, July 20, 2006, in the Southern Heights Christian Church, Lebanon. Burial will be in Mount Rose Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be held Wednesday evening from 7 - 8:00 p.m. under the direction of Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Lebanon, Missouri. Memorial contributions to St. John's Lebanon Heritage Foundation Cancer Center or Southern Heights Christian Church may be made through the funeral home.
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