William Joseph Canepa, 90, of St. Louis, passed away peacefully with family by his side on December 27, 2019.

Joe was born on October 15, 1929, to Dr. Francis and Selma Kaune Canepa of University City. His early education at Our Lady of Lourdes fostered his Catholic faith throughout his entire life. He attended St. Louis University High School and University City High School. Joe was a longtime parishioner of St. Dominic Savio.

In 1951 Joe joined the Navy and was stationed in Southern California. He served in the Korean War on the USS Marshall DD-676 and completed multiple cruises in the Pacific. He was honorably discharged in 1954.

While home on leave in 1953, he met the love of his life Flora Blair of Webster Groves. They were married on August 6, 1955, at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Brentwood. They had four children, William Joseph Jr., Michael Scott, Lisa Kaye, and Connie Lynn.

The majority of his employment was in the St. Louis wholesale liquor industry, including multiple roles with Mound City Liquor, Peter Hauptmann Co., McKesson Wine & Spirits, and Manhattan Distributing, retiring in 1995.

Joe had many passions, one being opera, which he listened to, collected, and enjoyed performing in his younger years. He spent a significant amount of time researching his family tree, was a connoisseur of any and all ice cream, but the greatest passion of all was his family.

He is survived by the “closest thing to perfect,” his wife Flo, their children, Joe Canepa (Laura) of Fenton, Scott Canepa of Lakeland, FL, Lisa Size (Ted) of Ballwin, and Connie Canepa (Terry Asbury) of St. Louis, their grandchildren, Joe Canepa (Jenni), Ashley Canepa Green (Matt), Anna Size, and Lilly Size, and one great-grandchild, Karson. He was predeceased by his parents and two brothers, Jack and Bob Canepa. Joe was a beloved uncle and a great friend to many. We will remember him for his big personality and infamous one-liners.

There will be a brief roadside memorial service at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, Thursday, January 2, at 11:30 am.

“Hey, take care of each other because family is everything, everything, everything.”

Non ti scordar di me (Do not forget me)