Joseph Andrew Soloducha

Joseph A Soloducha, age 65, of Kansas City, MO passed away Sunday, November 21, 2021 at St. Luke’s hospice house from recently diagnosed pancreatic cancer. Joe grew up in Kansas City, MO. He attended St. Vincent’s and St. Louis grade schools and Bishop Hogan High School, class of 1974. After high school, he served in the US Navy aboard the US Puffer SSN 652, a submarine stationed in Pearl Harbor, HI. After being honorably discharged, he began a career with the US Postal Service. He started as a letter carrier. Through snow, rain, heat and gloom of night, he delivered mail throughout Kansas City, MO. Before retiring in 2014, he spent several years as a supervisor, working in different stations. When asked for advice, he would usually reply “mail early, avoid the Christmas rush.” Joe was an avid Mizzou fan. At an early age, when his sons and grandchildren heard MIZ, they knew to reply ZOU – Go Tigers! He enjoyed watching the KC Royals, KC Chiefs, KC Kings, and KC Blades. He was in attendance for the 1985 I-70 World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals. He was thrilled to see two KC World Series wins and two Super Bowls wins. Joe played many sports including football, soccer, basketball, golf and rugby. The challenging course at Pebble Beach was the site of his first birdie. His most interesting stories were from playing rugby, first with Rockhurst College and then with the KC Blues. In basketball, he had a three-point shot that was automatic. At one of his homes, he removed a pool to put in a half court, which hosted several weekend games and one infamous fraternity party. Joe cherished time spent with his family. At St. Thomas Moore grade school, he helped coach his boys in basketball and football. He also coached his sons’ baseball teams for several years at Kansas City MO 3&2. Players could count on him to provide bubble gum and sunflower seeds in the dugout, transportation to games, practices that included a lot of running, and Slurpee’s after a game. He always had time to help a player with their game or sometimes just to talk. Some of his fondest baseball memories were watching his son, Andy, pitch a no-hitter and, documenting the baseballs of his many homeruns. In football, he helped coach his son, Alex, to several grade school championships. Besides sports, he was proud of Alex’s chess and mathematic skills and Andy’s musical and artistic abilities. Joe loved to cook. If you came to his house for a party, sporting event or holiday, you could always count on plenty of food. His Thanksgiving dinners were legendary, especially his stuffing. He enjoyed experimenting with recipes and always had several willing taste testers. Kathy brags that in 42 years, she may have prepared ten meals. He and Kathy spent the last five years living full-time at the Lake of the Ozarks, specifically in Sunrise Beach, MO, mile marker 12.5. According to Joe, being on the water was the best place to be. Joe enjoyed fishing, boating, having a beer on his deck and watching “rush hour” on the water. The annual Fourth of July family vacation was the highlight of every summer. Grilling, smoking ribs, playing badminton on the deck, shooting fireworks off the dock, and simply enjoying our time together – great memories. It was also the occasion for the family photo. Our first-year Joe decided everyone should wear a Hawaiian shirt. Since most didn’t bring one, Joe outfitted everyone one from his extensive collection. Joe said a person wearing a Hawaiian shirt always looks like they’re ready to celebrate. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Kathy, sons Alex (Susan) and Andy; grandchildren, Diana and Noah; sisters, Sophie (Sam) Harris and Rose Moore; brother-in-law, Pete (Cara) Campbell; sister-in-law, Connie (Dan) Biondo; father & mother-in-law, Bernard & Beverly Campbell; and his extended family who he adored. Joe was proceeded in death by his father, Andrew Soloducha; mother, Hellene Soloducha; brother, Ed Soloducha; and brother-in-law, Duane Moore. The family would like to thank the wonderful people who work with Saint Luke’s Hospice and at Saint Luke’s Hospice House. Their kindness gave us strength. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 30, 4:30pm at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church, 14 W 75th St, KCMO 64114 with Rev. Thomas B. Curran, SJ presiding. A reception will follow in Seton Hall below the church until 7pm. To celebrate Joe, the family will be wearing Hawaiian shirts and invites everyone to join them. In lieu of flowers, we encourage donations to: St. Luke’s Hospice House, 3516 Summit Street, Kansas City, MO 64111 or St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church (address above). Assistance by Funeral Advocates, LLC.

Joseph Andrew Soloducha

February 15, 1956 - November 21, 2021