Joseph Yacavona
September 12, 2022
Joseph Samuel Yacavona passed away peacefully on September 12, 2022. Joseph was born on August 5th, 1927 to Frank and Rose (Formaro) Yacavona.
Visitation will be held Monday, September 19th from 6:30 to 8 pm at St. Anthony's Catholic Church. Mass will be held at the Church on September 20th at 10:30 am.
He graduated from Dowling Catholic High School in 1945. He married Carmella Cardamon on May 8th, 1949 at Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church in Des Moines, Iowa. He was a lifelong resident of Des Moines’ southside.
After graduating high school, he managed Babe’s Restaurant until he decided to go into business for himself. In 1959, he opened Joe’s Tap Room in downtown Des Moines. He eventually opened two more bars, including Joe’s Too and Pal Joey’s. Throughout his years in business, Joe made many lifelong friends. He was always there to provide support to others. He was an avid sports fan who enjoyed watching the St. Louis Cardinals, Iowa Hawkeyes, and Iowa State Cyclones. He enjoyed spending time with his friends and family, especially his grandchildren.
Joe is survived by his loving wife Carmella, children Rosemarie Yacavona, Mary Jo (Robert) Pomerantz, Frank Yacavona, and Joy (Joseph) Welsh. He is also survived by his three grandchildren William, Maria, and Joseph Welsh, his sister-in-law Thresa Yacavona, and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents Frank and Rose Yacavona, and his brother Leonard Yacavona.
His family would like to thank Dr. Dale Grunewald and Kavanagh House Hospice for the kind care they provided to Joseph. Memorials may be directed to St. Anthony’s Catholic Church or Kavanagh House (EveryStep Hospice).
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Louis Kershbaumer
09/21/2022
Condolences to friend daughter Rose. She was always their for her parents. I am requesting prayers for Dad Joe from www.medicalmissionsisters.org for a safe journey to Heaven. & a healthy year for Joe's family. My Sister Dr. Rose Kershbaumer was called home 3/18/2022 at the same age as Joe. She spent 72 years, in MMS In East & West Africa, teaching Mid wives. Both left a better world from their care for others. Louis Kershbaumer
Ann Davenport
09/20/2022
Condolences to all of the Yacavona family. Joe was a wonderful, kind and caring man. Always with a smile on his face and a cute story to relate. He was one guy I thought would outlive all of us. He will be missed by all who knew him. His beautiful smile will last forever in my mind. Rest In Peace.
Beth Lankford
09/20/2022
Frank , your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
May you all find strength in GODS LOVE 🙏❤
Julie Antenucci
09/19/2022
Ive asked God to bless your family during this difficult time and always. May you find peace knowing he is in the hands of God.
Jill Zabel
09/19/2022
Thinking of you all as you remember and celebrate Joe's remarkable life. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend.
"Pal Joey" will always remain in our hearts.
Please accept my deepest sympathy.
With love, Jill Zabel
John Bisignano
09/19/2022
Dear Family and Friends.....I grew up knowing Joe and early on realized that he was a very special person that brought a respectful calm to the daily chaos at Babe's Restaurant. He made every well known customer, stranger, and employee feel good. I learned a lot from Joe, thank you. Rest in Peace.
Jim German
09/18/2022
Joey was truly a special man. I spent many wonderful hours visiting with him at Pal Joeys. I also appreciated the fact that he had such a wonderful family.
Italians are my favorite group of people. He was truly one of the best. I will miss him. May God bless him.
John Cacciatore
09/18/2022
My condolences to Frank, Joy and Joe Welsh and the Yacavona family. Thinking of you. John Cacciatore
Joan Hector
09/18/2022
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Joe was a great guy and a true gentleman. My heart goes out to Carmella and family.
Vickie Punelli Pezzetti & Phil Pezzetti
09/18/2022
So sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful & kind man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Connie Leaders jetter
09/17/2022
What an angel heaven has recieved..
You always protected us girls and we always felt safe.
Love and respect...that was you!!
You'll be missed always.
You were more than very special!!
Connie
cathy flaherty warner
09/17/2022
What a special man. Kind and caring. Des Moines lost a true prince and gentleman. .
Jana Rogers
09/17/2022
Im so sorry for your loss. Joe was one of our favorites at the Iowa Dental Group, and we always enjoyed seeing him! Keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
Robert Aguiniga
09/16/2022
God Bless you Joe.
John C. Kline
09/16/2022
So sorry for your loss. Joe was a great businessman and a true gentleman! John C Kline