Joseph "Joe" Tursi
February 17, 2010
Joseph S. Tursi, 88, passed from this life on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 at Mercy Hospice in Johnston. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Monday, February 22, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church where he was a lifelong member. Burial will follow at Glendale Cemetery. A visitation will be held at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home on Sunday, February 21st from 2-7pm with family present from 2-4pm and from 5:30-7pm. A Bellizzi MacRae American Legion service will take place at 5:30pm, followed by the Society of Italian Americans. There will be rosary at 6 pm.
Joe was born in Terravecchia, Italy on November 8th, 1921 to Francesco and Carmela Tursi. When he was eight years old he immigrated to the United States. In 1937 his father bought Park Ave. Shoe Repair, which Joe operated while attending and graduating from Lincoln High School. In 1942 he hung up his apron and volunteered for the Army Air Corps, in which he served honorably in England during World War II. After returning to the U.S., he married Sarah Fazio on Janaury 8th, 1950 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church and loved her for more than sixty years. In 1952, with his brother Paul, Joe expanded Park Ave. Shoe Repair into Tursi’s Clothing, which in the mid - 70’s was one of the largest privately owned clothing stores in the Midwest. Joe owned and operated the clothing store for over 40 years. After retiring he stayed active by constantly volunteering and by working with his son at the Latin King Restaurant. He hugged every lady who walked in the door and cleared tables faster than any teen-aged bus boy up until December of 2008. Joe loved interacting with people and had to be on the move. Even in his last days, he refused to use a wheel chair.
His life was guided by a few simple philosophies: Always be a gentleman; never go to sleep mad at the ones you love; family first; and why make one girl miserable when you can make them all happy? The latter was a guiding force only during his earlier years and was preached to his grandsons during rough patches of adolescent relationships. While these philosophies were simple, they led Joe to accomplish many things. Joe is the former President of the Stemma D’Italia; he started the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts of St. Anthony’s; he belonged to the Build Lincoln Higher Club; he sat on the Board of Brenton Bank and on the Board of Health for the State of Iowa. He helped to found the Society of Italian Americans, was a member of the Knights of Columbus, started the Columbus Day Dinner Celebration, and honored his roots by collecting donations for an annual celebration in his hometown of Terravecchia and it’s parish, San Pietro in Vincoli. He was active in the American Legion, the Fleur Nursing Home, the Isaac Walton League, St. Anthony’s Church, and was always ready to lend a hand to anyone who needed it.
If asked, Joe would have said that his greatest pleasure was his family. Left to always honor his memory are his wife, Sarah; his daughter, Carmela (Robert) Hobbins, grandchildren, Brian, Patrick (Jeannie), Teddy, and great granddaughter, Lilly Hobbins; his son Frank (Molly), his grandchildren, Joe, Katie (Chul) Lee, Bridget, Jenna, Anna, and his great granddaughter, Mia Sun Lee; his son, Joe (Joan) and grandchildren, Kristina (Aaron) Anderson, Tony and David; his son, Bob (Amy), and grandchildren, Gina and RJ, brother, Paul (Darlene), and special cousins, Pete, Mary, and Dale Tursi, who were all fortunate enough to have shared in Joe’s life.
The lessons he left his family are basic but invaluable: Love one another; love your spouse; help others; and don’t complain. He showed us how in the way he treated us, in his relationship with Sarah, by the countless people he readily assisted, and by responding, “Not bad, not bad,” when asked how he was doing on the day he died. With his quiet confidence and consistently optimistic outlook on life, he was the greatest role model a family could have. He was an inspiration throughout his
Audrey Cole
02/22/2010
I had the great pleasure of shopping at Tursi's and seeing first hand how very personable and professional he was.
I also saw how much a ball of fire he still was when he would serve food at St. Anthony's during lent.
We lost a true gentleman in every sense of the word.
My deepest sympathy to all of you.
Emily Bratkiewicz
02/22/2010
Gina & family-
I'm so sorry for your loss & hope you all find comfort in each other and in knowing what a great life your grandpa lead. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you!
Emily Bratkiewicz
Walter & Barbara Dobbins
02/22/2010
To the family of Joseph Tursi.
We would like to send our condolences to your family.
It was our pleasure to know Joe for many, many years and he will be missed.
I saw him last summer walking by and we had a nice visit.
Joe was a wonderful person and a very good friend to all. He was always there for any of us who needed him at any time. This world is a better place because of Joe. His memory will be always in our thoughts.
Frank and Margaret Severino
02/22/2010
What a wonderful tribute to Joe in his written obituary. He lived life fully and isn't that what it's all about? We're in Arizona for the winter and just wanted to let you know that we heard about his death. Our hearts will be with your family as you adjust to the void of his physical presence in the days ahead.
Frank and Margaret Severino
(Surprise, Arizona)
Margaret & Fred Dimon
02/22/2010
Bob,
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. Your article about your father describes a wonderful and fun loving parent. From knowing you, he obviously taught his children well.
Margaret and Fred Dimon
Newton, IA
Jodi (Wills) Zippo
02/21/2010
I was saddended to hear of Joe's passing. As a child he always made me feel important when I went into the store to visit my grandmother, Mary Wills. She truly enjoyed working for Joe and Paul. Peace and blessing to the entire Tursi family.
Henry Rivas family
02/21/2010
Our sincere sympathy to all members of the Tursi family.
Gary Nicols II
02/21/2010
Joe will greatly be missed, I remember going to the clothing store with my parents. I also remember going into the Latin King when he was there, he was alway smiling, happy and treated you like a friend.
George & Kay Sperry
02/21/2010
Bob, Amy, and families:
We are so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. We will be thinking about all of you.
Alyssia Cope(Yingst) & Family
02/21/2010
Molly and Frank and the entire Tursi Family, We send our heartfelt condolences to your family during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you. May your many memories give comfort you. Always, Alyssia and Family
Tom and Sue Bordenaro
02/21/2010
To the family, so sorry to hear about your father. We attempted to stop at the funeral home and it was so busy (your father was very loved), so we thought we would send a message to you this route. We have you all in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless, Tom and Sue
Steve Wenzl
02/21/2010
Sarah and family,
I think back of going into the store with my father and being always greeted with a smile. In later years I saw that same smile and enjoyed comparing gardens when you came to visit Anna.I always admired a man who kept such a great attitude and always had something good to say when he saw you.I believe he is still with you in the love, values and traditions he bestowed on his family. God bless.
Steve & Kathy Foldes
02/21/2010
Sarah,
We always enjoyed visiting with Joe over the fence when he was out looking at his tomato plants. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Steve and Kathy Foldes
Theresa Loffredo
02/21/2010
My parents Mickie and Joe Loffredo, now deceased, always shopped at Tursi's Clothing and I remember that my dad had a small hat size so Joe nicknamed him "pinhead." That became a family joke in our household. Also, whenever he seated me at the restaurant he always acted like he knew who I was and I thought that was so special. My sympathies to your entire family.
Bob Aguiniga
02/21/2010
The Tursi family gave me the opportunity to be part of the
vast history of Tursi's Clothing.
I will always remember the conversations Joe and I had. He
gave me good advice whenever I ask him his thoughts.
I will also remember Joes' philosphy on life and business
that led him to be the one of Des Moines great business leaders.
A month ago I visited Joe at his home while Sarah was out
grocery shopping.
I will always hold on to that special visit forever. I want to
remember Joe sitting in his chair looking dapper in his Tursi's
robe,pajamas and slippers.
A patriarch I was so honored to know. God bless you Joe.
My deepest condolences to Sarah,Frank,Joey,Carmie,Bobby,Paul and
entire Tursi family.
Bob Aguiniga