Joseph Gazzo Romeo

Joseph Gazzo Romeo, 78, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2025, after a courageous journey with Alzheimer’s - a disease that tried to slow him down, but never stole his spark.

Joe was born July 11, 1946 and raised on Des Moines’ South Side. Proudly 100% Italian, his roots traced back to Italy, in the region of Calabria, a heritage he embraced with pride, tradition, and a deep love for family.

Joe lived big. He went from St. Anthony’s to Dowling Catholic High School to Navy sailor to airplane pilot to Union Pacific’s most senior railroad conductor with nearly 50 years of service, often with a side hustle (or five) along the way.

He had a passion for everything: family, flying, fixing up buildings, dancing to Earth, Wind & Fire, and inventing gadgets like the Swing Pro. He started many businesses, restored cars & buildings, and could turn any idea into reality, usually involving a garage, an atlas, and an ice cold Fresca.

He was a founding member of the Society of Italian Americans, he was the heartbeat behind several iconic Des Moines restaurants/bars: Romeo’s Landing on Fleur Drive across from the airport, Who’s on Third near Court Ave, and Romeo’s on the River (now Mullets) at the river confluence.

Over the years his McKinley house became the epicenter of fun carrying on the tradition of Christmas Eve from his mother - with over 100 family members, hosting Halloween bashes (that should have had cover charges) and all the while his doors were always open, making sure everyone knew they were welcome.

Joe ran and biked like a man half his age, often popping up at the end of his kids’ races to push them through the finish. He rode RAGBRAI almost every year starting on Ragbrai #2 and could out-dance, out-run, and out-bike a teenager at any turn (with that move: you know the one).

In 2000, Joe met his beloved wife, Nancy Williams. Together they built a beautiful blended family of eight children that will carry on his legacy: Geno (Dania) Romeo, Maria (Jeff) Davis, Yolanda Chrystal, Alexander Romeo, Dante Romeo, Annie (Andrew) Poblocki, John Williams, and Ryan (Mckenna Lynch) Williams.

Joe was a proud and loving Papa to Austin (Kenzie) Cordes, Nicco Romeo, Talia Romeo, Sela Davis, Drake Davis, Cole Chrystal, Abel Williams, Theodore Poblocki, and Fenton Poblocki.

He is also survived by his siblings: Kathie Lyman, Bette (John) Beal, Juliet (John) Bascom, Steven (Nicci) Dean, and Scott (Debbie) Dean, as well as more nieces, nephews, and cousins than you can count.

Joe was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Thomas Romeo; his mother, Yolanda Gazzo Romeo Dean; his stepfather, Sam Dean; his sister, Carmela “Cookie” Brown; his brothers, Dennis Romeo and John Romeo; his brother-in-law, Michael Carver; and his beloved son-in-law, James Chrystal.

Joe was a builder, a dreamer, a dancer, a doer, a go-getter, an innovator but most importantly a man who loved his family deeply. If you met him, you remembered him. If you loved him, you were lucky. He will be deeply missed, but his stories, his energy, and that signature Joe spark will live on.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Italian-American Cultural Center of Iowa, 2633 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA 50321, in Joe’s name. The family will be naming a bocce ball court in his honor.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, 15 Indianola Road, Des Moines, IA 50315, on July 10th. Visitation will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the service immediately following at 1 p.m. His burial will follow at Glendale Cemetery, 4909 University Ave. Des Moines, IA 50311. A Celebration of Life will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. at Willow on Grand, 6011 Grand Ave. Des Moines, IA 50312. If guests are not able to attend the service in person, the family invites friends to join them virtually for Joseph’s service through the link in his obituary below.

Special thanks to Mark Friend whose support allowed Joe to keep tinkering in his garage for as long as possible; to Joe’s cousin Katherine Gazzo Lasnek for being there for me and for bringing Joe lots of candy and treats; and to our neighbor Tony Romeo for running across the street to help me with Joe every time I called for help. You are my angels. -- Nancy

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