Joseph Naples

Joe Naples of Des Moines passed away on April 18, surrounded by his loved ones. He fought a two-year battle with serious health issues.

Joe was born to Anthony and Lois Naples in Des Moines. A life-long resident, he attended Lincoln High School. For 34 years, Joe worked at Lumberman’s Wholesale. He worked hard and could build or fix just about anything.

He was married to the love of his life, Jo Ann, for 46 years, and they had one child, Jeff, of which he was exceptionally proud. He adored his granddaughter, who was the highlight of each day. He loved to spoil her.

Joe and Jo Ann were always together and shared a wonderful marriage full of camping, road trips, warm weather vacations, meeting friends, and attending the Knoxville Nationals or classic car shows.

No one who met Joe forgot his generosity or how much he loved his family, friends, and classic cars. He was a good provider and involved father figure; a true friend and a trustworthy neighbor—always there to help. Joe was witty and a jokester. His sense of humor always made people smile.

Joe was predeceased by his parents and his brother Barry. He is survived by his wife, Jo Ann, his son, Jeff (Lacy), and his granddaughter, Gemma; in addition to sisters Becky Connell (Gary), Debbie Sloan (Charlie), and Jennifer Petty (Roy), and brother Tony (Pam), sister-in-law, Shirley, as well as many loving nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Services will be held at St. Anthony’s on Monday, April 25, at 10:30 am. Joe’s favorite flowers were yellow roses, which is fitting because they symbolize joy, cheer, and friendship. Joe was a friend to many and was dearly loved. He will be missed.

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