Joseph A. Vernaci

Joseph Anthony Vernaci, 79, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home on May 1st surrounded by his loving family. 

Known as “Joe” among his friends and business associates; “Pawp” by his grandchildren; “Bud” to his siblings and family; he was born on September 27, 1946, in St. Louis, Missouri to Joseph Michael and Edith Iona Vernaci.  

Joe’s working life began at age eight, when he and his sister held down the afternoon shift at a family sporting goods store, selling squirmy supplies to the local fishermen.  Despite the humble profits, ringing up a sale was motivating for the pint-sized shopkeeper.  That experience ignited a driving work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit that guided him for the rest of his days.

After graduating from St. Francis Borgia, Joe attended Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas.  Returning to Missouri set him on two influential paths; working at a construction company and convincing the pretty blonde lifeguard at the swimming pool in Washington to go out on a date with him.  He and Charlotte Graham were married on November 30,1968 and immediately departed for Fairbanks, Alaska where he served in active duty in the United States Army.

Ultimately, they returned to the area, where Joe launched Vernaci Construction, Inc, specializing in site preparation and construction for utilities, highways and shopping centers.  His company’s expanse included locations throughout the Midwest and Central America.  By far his greatest professional achievement was realized in the development of Phoenix Centers I & II in Washington, Missouri.

Joe was born to entertain.  That was best on display for those who dined at Chico’s restaurant.   Whether he was behind the bar or ringmaster of the legendary Cinco de Mayo block parties he loved drawing people together in the quest to have fun.

Like any good Italian, preparing food for the people you love was a satisfying ritual.  Without a doubt, Joe was the pitmaster extraordinaire.  He would revel in spending the entire day unhurriedly mopping the ribs and pork chops with a secret sauce, the recipe of which was guarded like the crown jewels.  They were always the perfect combination of crisply charred and blissfully succulent. 

Outside of family and his work, Joe’s passions included: cars, most especially Pontiac GTO’s and watching the North Pacific humpback whales migrate off the coast of Maui.  He was a member of the Lahaina Yacht Club.

He was happiest when discussing the three sparkling diamonds in his life, Anne, Monica & Marie.  They in turn added three additional gems to the family with Ethan, Graham and Catherine.  For Joe, true prosperity shined threefold among these jewels; a devoted wife, accomplished daughters and joyful grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife Charlotte, daughters Anne (Nathan) Roustio of Dallas, TX, Monica Vernaci of Ballwin, MO and Marie Vernaci (Jake Dobsch) of Washington, MO;  grandchildren, Ethan Vernaci, Graham and Catherine Dobsch;  sisters, Jolene (Rick) Klinger of Pacific, MO, Gina Vernaci (Bill Hilyard) of Lakewood, OH and brother Tony (Kathi) Vernaci of Rochester Hills, MI; many in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joe & Iona and his brother Rick (Kathy Rizzo) Vernaci of Warrenton, VA.   

Visitation is Friday, June 19th 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Nieburg-Vitt,Miller Funeral Home, 1206 Jefferson St., Washington, MO. The celebration of life will occur at The Funeral Mass on Saturday, June 20th 10:00 am at Our Lady of Lourdes. 

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, 1014 Madison Ave., Washington, MO.                                 

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