Joseph Victor Ciaravino, born November 24, 1943 in New York City, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 31, 2021, surrounded by his loved ones who will continue to honor his legacy by living their lives to the fullest.

Joe was born to immigrant parents and was incredibly proud of his Sicilian heritage. He was raised in Manhattan where he spent most of his childhood working in his father’s market and riding scooters made of fruit crates with his brother, Phil.

Joe had a long, successful career in banking and proudly retired from Edward Jones in 2020. A couple of his greatest professional accomplishments include  the bank that he opened and ran in the Republic of Georgia in 1996, as well as being honored by the Asian America Chamber of Commerce for helping countless Asian restaurants open in St. Louis.

A lover of beauty, romance, poetry, photography, dance, music, art, food, travel, culture, and the outdoors, Joe believed in filling his heart with experiences to cherish and stories to tell. His biggest impact was in the community. He was loved and known by most as Poppa Joe. He never met a stranger, always had time for everyone, and made you feel like the most important person in the room.

The pride of Joe’s life rested in his two sons, Tony and Michael. As Joe would say, “famiglia e tutti” – family is everything. Joe was a selfless, strong, kind, loving, and supportive father. His stories, humor, knowledge and guidance was the foundation of his family.

He is survived by his two sons Tony and Michael Ciaravino, his first wife Ann Christman Ciaravino, his brother Phillip Ciaravino, his Russian “daughter” Oksana Bogatenko, his Paraguayan “son” Marcelo Centurion Cubilla, as well as his many nieces, nephews and friends. Joe was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Marie.

Details of a memorial service and celebration of Joe’s life to come. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Big Muddy Dance Company on Joe’s behalf.