Service Details
TUESDAY, AUGUST 8, 2017
Memorial Mass: 11:00 a.m. at OUR LADY OF THE HOLY ROSARY CATHOLIC CHURCH
(2224 45th St KENOSHA)
THERE WILL NOT BE A VISITATION BEFORE THE MASS
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Flowers by Joseph
SOMERS – Joseph Charles Cucunato, 84, passed away peacefully and surrounded by his loving family on August 1, 2017.
Joseph was born in Kenosha and was the son of the late Charles and Frances (nee: Loizzo) Cucunato. He graduated from St. Catherine’s High School in Racine in 1951 and was an outstanding athlete for St. Catherine’s. After graduation, he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
He met Rita Rose Gentile at the Italian American Club one evening after the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church festival. Rita and Joseph went on to get married at Mount Caramel on July 19, 1958 and celebrated their fifty-ninth wedding anniversary this year.
Joseph was employed and learned the trade of floristry by Welke’s House of Roses in Milwaukee. He was also employed at Sunnyside Florist in Kenosha and American Motors. While working at American Motors, he built his own flower shop in 1961 with his wife Rita.
His simple pleasures in life were sharing stories of growing up, of talking about a much simpler time, such as playing football in the Oats field, and of sharing a good meal with his family. Joseph was a devoted father and grandfather. He loved waiting for his grandchildren, Monica and Vito, to come home from school and listen to their day’s events. He spent countless days walking quietly through Petrifying Springs Park and golfing its course with his buddies. Joseph loved nothing more than laughing and making memories with his dear friends Jimmy, Joey, Al, Tashe, and Mike. Every year on his wedding anniversary Joseph asked the love of his life Rita to marry him. She always said, “Who else would I marry?” In business for fifty-five years, Joseph employed countless people who became part of the Flowers by Joseph family. Joseph was a very spiritual man, serving as an altar boy at Our Lady of Holy Rosary Parish as well as serving as a devoted lifelong church member.
Joseph’s continuous smile and positive life outlook will be missed. Special thanks to Dr. Mark Meier, Linda, Cara, Vera as well as all the support of Joe’s and Rita’s neighbors and friends.
In addition to his loving wife, Rita, he is survived by his children, Louis Cucunato, Martin Cucunato, Joseph Cucunato II, Mari Cucunato, Rose Marie Cucunato and Leo (Kristine) Cucunato; his grandchildren, Monica and Vito Cucunato; his brother, Frank (Lucille) Cucunato; his sister, Rita (Fred) Garnero.
Family and friends are invited for memorial mass at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church (2224 45th St) on Tuesday, August 8, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. Please note there will be no visitation before mass. A private interment will take place with military honors at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove.
CH says
What a beautiful rose. 🌷 Yes many will deeply miss Joseph. My condolences to your family during this time. Revelation 21:4, Jehovah God’s will is to undue all suffering.
Kelly Semrau says
Leo and Rose and all of your family: I met your Dad when I explored who had the most beautiful flower arrangement. That was about 10 years ago… He was such a special, caring, and warm man. He greeted you with a huge smile and a hug when you walked into the store. He loved God, his family and his work…. Boy, he loved his family… And, Joe, you were so loving and caring and you were responsible for the first boutonniere for my oldest daughter at her first dance in her life…that is so special to me forever. Love to all.
Nancy (Szymanski) Shilkus says
My sincerest sympathies to your whole family. I have such fond memories of Mr. Cucunato and wish you comfort and peace in coping with his passing. God bless him and his family.
Frank R says
Reading that brought tears to my eyes, What a full and beautiful life he had, Great man will be sadly missed!
The Rodencals says
Godspeed Joe! You made a big difference in the world with your glorious life.
Guy LeHouillier says
My heart goes out to your family in your time of great sorrow
Tom Zumpano says
Joe is greatly missed. Truly one of the greatest people I have ever known. Loved his stories and jokes. His smiling always made whatever your issues are in life unimportant. I am so blessed growing up around such a beautiful man and his awesome family. My deepest sympathies for your loss.
Sue (Stevens) Dempsey says
Lou, Marty, Joe and family, I am so sad to know you are going through this today too. We lost our Dad on the 2nd, after 9 years with Alzheimers. The last conversation I had with Mr. Cucunato was this spring when I ordered flowers for Mom. I could hear the joy in his voice and could imagine his smile, as always. He always took good care of us. I know he remembered Jeff too. Godspeed, Joe. And prayers and blessings for your whole family. These are the time we come together, lean in, and share our hearts with each other.
Leo says
Thank you all for the kind words and memories. Greatly missed
Anonymous says
My deepest sympathy to you & your family Rita! I’m sorry, I didn’t know about Joe’s passing until today…… I’m in a state of shock! He was such a kind & wonderful man, ,who loved his Family…..,always looking on the bright side of life, with a smile & an encouraging word to lift up the spirit of all with whom, he came in contact. A good Christian, he was a fine example of what man should be,…..a hard worker, honest, dependable, upright, generous, compassionate and understanding, as well as a true blue American! (There should be more people like him! ) Fortunately, my husband & I were blessed to come to know him through the flower shop……He was in the right profession ,….working with the beautiful bounty of God’s handiwork,……he brought much love & joy into the lives of others through his artistic ability! Rita, I know that you are thankful that God has blessed you & Joe (the love of your life!), with 59 years of wedded bliss,… good health ,…& …..a great family! You & your children must carry on ……until you all meet again in Heaven……… but you’re not alone, for God is with you! and will protect & watch over you until then! Love you! Sincerely, Shirley Messing Krause (Mrs Karl J.) Antioch, Ilinois
(519 Garys Drive)