Joe Zenitsky

December 11, 1917 - October 28, 2014

Joe Zenitsky, age 96, passed away peacefully at his home in Leawood, Kansas on Tuesday, October 28. He was born to loving parents, Mary and Ben Zenitsky, in Kansas City on December 11, 1917. Despite his long and event-filled life, he leaves a grieving family who will miss his humor, quirkiness, curiosity, optimism and affection. Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Mary in 2011, his sister, Harriet Simon in 2012, son-in-law Lawrence Firestone and his parents Ben in 1956 and Mary W. Zenitsky in 1963. He will be deeply missed by his children, daughter Pola Firestone and companion Jon Henderson; son, Jay Zenitsky and daughter-in-law, Patrice Rancour; grandchildren, Benjamin Zenitsky, Emily and Scott Firestone; great granddaughter Amanda Firestone; sister, Charlotte Nadlman along with many relatives and friends in Kansas City, Columbus, Ohio, St. Louis, New York City and across the country. Joe was a proud World War II veteran, where he led a communications team in the European theater. For 30 years he owned and managed an independent grocery store founded by his father at 13th and Troost and later relocated to 39th and Prospect and was a member of The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah and its Brotherhood. Joe was a devoted father and friend and caring individual who took an active role in several organizations including the Central High School Alumni, which raised money for student scholarships; The Temple’s Brotherhood and professionally he was a leader of the Missouri Retail Liquor Association, a group supporting small retailers. The family would like to thank the staff at the Manor at Grace Gardens and Grace Hospice for their loving care. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Joe’s name to Grace Hospice, 9233 Ward Parkway #201, Kansas City MO 64114 or The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah, 12320 Nall Ave, Overland Park, KS. 66209. Graveside services will be 3:30pm Thursday, October 30, at Rose Hill Cemetery, 6900 Troost, Kansas City, MO.