Joseph A. Bottani III was born June 4th, 1947, to Marie (Lombardo) Bottani and Joseph A Bottani Jr. in St. Charles, MO. He passed on September 17th, 2022, in Webster Groves, MO.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Diane (Isselhard) Bottani, two children, Maro Bottani Markham and Joseph (Beth) Bottani IV, and five grandchildren, Joseph V, Theodore, Rose, Benedict, and Sebastian. He was the loving brother of Debbie (John) Touchette and Pia (Steve) Hacker, brother-in-law of Don (Annette) Isselhard and Terry (Jill) Isselhard, and proud uncle of many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.
Papa Joe, as he was known, loved his family – immediate and extended – above all else. He was a devoted husband, father, Papa, brother, and uncle. He was a friend to all that knew him. His grit, determination, smile, and generosity are an example to us all.
Joe overcame polio in his early youth through the support of his family and friends, and a love of sports, travel, and the outdoors. He built a successful insurance business that he continued to work in as Chairman after nearly 50 years. He was respected by any in the industry as a man of integrity above all else, intelligence, compassion, and kindness.
He did, and will continue to, show us the way to lead a life of significance. He will be missed dearly.
SERVICES: Visitation at Kutis Affton Chapel 10151 Gravois Road on Thursday, September 29, 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Private services will be held at Chaminade Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to:
Shriner’s Hospital for Children; In Memory of Joseph A Bottani III for the Recreational Therapy & Child Life Department https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/give/119312/#!/donation/checkoututm_source=shrinerschildrens&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=donateheader&utm_campaign=shrinerschildrens&c_src=shrinerschildrens&c_src2=header
Chaminade College Prep School: Father Ralph A. Siefert Esto Vir Scholarship https://www.chaminade-stl.org/support-us/support-us/named-scholarships/named-scholarship-donations
When ever I looked up the word ‘kind’, in the dictionary, Joe’s picture showed up. So many memories, so many laughs, so many experiences with this wonderful man. Saying I will miss him doesn’t seem to be enough. Diane, Maro, Joey, Pia and Debbie…I will continue to honor him by doing my best to emulate his kindness, joy and never ending love for those in his life. We are all better for knowing him.
When ever I looked up the word ‘kind’, in the dictionary, Joe’s picture showed up. So many memories, so many laughs, so many experiences with this wonderful man. Saying I will miss him doesn’t seem to be enough. Diane, Maro, Joey, Pia and Debbie…I will continue to honor him by doing my best to emulate his kindness, joy and never ending love for those in his life. We are all better for knowing him.
I met Maro through a networking group in Lincoln, NE. My wife and I were in St. Louis visiting a good buddy of mine. Maro and I planned one day to get together at her parents house and have dinner with her family.
From the moment we entered Joe and Diane’s home we felt loved and welcomed. Sitting on their back patio and just chit chatting to cooking dinner in their kitchen. It was one of the swellest evenings I remember to date. I remember Papa Joe’s toasted garlic and tomato bruchetta. I still make that every once in a while and I think of him. I am forever grateful for that evening and getting to experience the hospitality and charm of Papa Joe.
I met Maro through a networking group in Lincoln, NE. My wife and I were in St. Louis visiting a good buddy of mine. Maro and I planned one day to get together at her parents house and have dinner with her family.
From the moment we entered Joe and Diane’s home we felt loved and welcomed. Sitting on their back patio and just chit chatting to cooking dinner in their kitchen. It was one of the swellest evenings I remember to date. I remember Papa Joe’s toasted garlic and tomato bruchetta. I still make that every once in a while and I think of him. I am forever grateful for that evening and getting to experience the hospitality and charm of Papa Joe.
Dear Bottani Family – Anne and I are extending our deepest sympathy to the family. We are sorry for the loss of Pappa Joe / Joe. Joe and Beth, we are thinking of you and all your family.
Steve and Anne
Dear Bottani Family – Anne and I are extending our deepest sympathy to the family. We are sorry for the loss of Pappa Joe / Joe. Joe and Beth, we are thinking of you and all your family.
Steve and Anne
I met Mari when she entered St Joseph’s Academy. She played tennis for me all four years! I instantly fell in love with Joe and Diane and we all loved the years we spent together at St Joe. Those four years went by too quickly! I loved running into all of them several times and enjoyed what a welcoming and wonderful family! My heart goes out to you at this time of extreme loss! You will forever be in my thoughts and prayers.
I met Mari when she entered St Joseph’s Academy. She played tennis for me all four years! I instantly fell in love with Joe and Diane and we all loved the years we spent together at St Joe. Those four years went by too quickly! I loved running into all of them several times and enjoyed what a welcoming and wonderful family! My heart goes out to you at this time of extreme loss! You will forever be in my thoughts and prayers.
The Hobarts & all of us at H&H Health Associates extend our deepest sympathy. The Bottani family is loved by all of us & we are praying for each of you.
The Hobarts & all of us at H&H Health Associates extend our deepest sympathy. The Bottani family is loved by all of us & we are praying for each of you.
Diane,
We enjoyed seeing you and Joe at a Cubs/Cardinals game a few years ago.
I have fond memories of Joe from Queen of Peace School in Belleville. When we played baseball, Joe could hit the ball farther than any of us, and he was only using one hand.
You have our deepest sympathy.
Diane,
We enjoyed seeing you and Joe at a Cubs/Cardinals game a few years ago.
I have fond memories of Joe from Queen of Peace School in Belleville. When we played baseball, Joe could hit the ball farther than any of us, and he was only using one hand.
You have our deepest sympathy.
Joe was one of the truly good guys in the whole entire world!!!
Joe was one of the truly good guys in the whole entire world!!!
Diane,
I wish I would have known your husband. I am so fond of your sister-in -laws, Pia and Debbie, that I met through the YMCA. They are very loving and generous people as I am sure your Joe was. I extend my sympathy to you and your family and will be praying for all of you. May God bless you and be with you during this difficult time.
Diane,
I wish I would have known your husband. I am so fond of your sister-in -laws, Pia and Debbie, that I met through the YMCA. They are very loving and generous people as I am sure your Joe was. I extend my sympathy to you and your family and will be praying for all of you. May God bless you and be with you during this difficult time.
My days with Joe were right after high school and at some of the class reunions. I went golfing with Joe and the boys, Joe would ride a cart, we would walk, he hit the ball straight as an arrow and was on the green as soon as we were?? Than there was the new year eve party at Larry Whiteheads house. We all had at least a fifth of booze, but old Joe went tumbling down the downstairs to the lower level. He was not hurt, but you know the guys were all laughing, Joe always had a smile. Our deepest sympathy.
My days with Joe were right after high school and at some of the class reunions. I went golfing with Joe and the boys, Joe would ride a cart, we would walk, he hit the ball straight as an arrow and was on the green as soon as we were?? Than there was the new year eve party at Larry Whiteheads house. We all had at least a fifth of booze, but old Joe went tumbling down the downstairs to the lower level. He was not hurt, but you know the guys were all laughing, Joe always had a smile. Our deepest sympathy.
Pia, Dave and I are so sorry for your loss. We know how close you were to your brother.
Pia, Dave and I are so sorry for your loss. We know how close you were to your brother.
Dear Diane and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. I still remember your beautiful wedding. Also I loved your wallpaper in your first house. I have many fond memories.
Dear Diane and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. I still remember your beautiful wedding. Also I loved your wallpaper in your first house. I have many fond memories.
A true gentleman. I am glad I knew him.
A true gentleman. I am glad I knew him.
Deepest sympathy to the family of Joe Bottani. A truly wonderful person.
Deepest sympathy to the family of Joe Bottani. A truly wonderful person.
Deepest condolences to the Bottani family on the loss of the patriarch, Joe. He always had a smile on his face and greeted and treated everyone with respect. I enjoyed talking sports and insurance with him. Was always impressed with the pride that he showed towards his family — not only his immediate family (wife and kids) but all those who worked with him — his extended family. The Bottani “family” will be in my prayers and thoughts.
Deepest condolences to the Bottani family on the loss of the patriarch, Joe. He always had a smile on his face and greeted and treated everyone with respect. I enjoyed talking sports and insurance with him. Was always impressed with the pride that he showed towards his family — not only his immediate family (wife and kids) but all those who worked with him — his extended family. The Bottani “family” will be in my prayers and thoughts.
I met Joe in 1980 and we did business together throughout our insurance careers. He became more than a business associate with his kindness, integrity and intelligence. I never walked into his office without seeing a big smile, an enthusiastic welcome and receiving a firm handshake with those huge hands of his. Joe was a credit to his family, his colleagues and his community and will be surely missed.
I met Joe in 1980 and we did business together throughout our insurance careers. He became more than a business associate with his kindness, integrity and intelligence. I never walked into his office without seeing a big smile, an enthusiastic welcome and receiving a firm handshake with those huge hands of his. Joe was a credit to his family, his colleagues and his community and will be surely missed.
Dianne, holding you and your family in prayer. Joe was truly one of the good guys.
Sincerely, Cookie (Tom Timme’s wife)
Dianne, holding you and your family in prayer. Joe was truly one of the good guys.
Sincerely, Cookie (Tom Timme’s wife)
Sending prayers for you, Issie, and the Bottani family, that you will find comfort and peace in this time of sorrow. I had moved toWashinton, DC before Issie and Joe were married so I only saw them when I visited my family in Illinois every year. Joe was a great guy and he loved to come to my Dad’s house because my Mom would fry fish, or frog legs or turtle. One of my fondest memories is Joe sitting at Mom’s kitchen table with a huge smile on his face when my Dad told him what was for supper. I think Joe liked the frog legs the best. Joe’s smile was contagious, just like his laughter. Joe will be greatly missed by Issie, the family, friends and acquaintances. But he will always be with us in our memories and our hearts.
Sending prayers for you, Issie, and the Bottani family, that you will find comfort and peace in this time of sorrow. I had moved toWashinton, DC before Issie and Joe were married so I only saw them when I visited my family in Illinois every year. Joe was a great guy and he loved to come to my Dad’s house because my Mom would fry fish, or frog legs or turtle. One of my fondest memories is Joe sitting at Mom’s kitchen table with a huge smile on his face when my Dad told him what was for supper. I think Joe liked the frog legs the best. Joe’s smile was contagious, just like his laughter. Joe will be greatly missed by Issie, the family, friends and acquaintances. But he will always be with us in our memories and our hearts.
What a wonderful man and a privilege to know for 38 years. What started as a business relationship blossomed into a lifetime friendship. Key words to describe Joe are loyalty and integrity. An admired man who always put family first. He will be missed for sure.
What a wonderful man and a privilege to know for 38 years. What started as a business relationship blossomed into a lifetime friendship. Key words to describe Joe are loyalty and integrity. An admired man who always put family first. He will be missed for sure.
I haven’t seen Joe for many years, but, as teens, we worked together for Belleville Parks and Recreation at Roosevelt School. About 40-50 kids came to the playground every day to have fun, participate in sports, see their friends and to see Joe. We all loved him. He played softball with the kids and participated in other activities. He was always fun and upbeat and made them feel that he truly loved working with them. I’m sure all those kids, now adults, are remembering him fondly, as am I.
I haven’t seen Joe for many years, but, as teens, we worked together for Belleville Parks and Recreation at Roosevelt School. About 40-50 kids came to the playground every day to have fun, participate in sports, see their friends and to see Joe. We all loved him. He played softball with the kids and participated in other activities. He was always fun and upbeat and made them feel that he truly loved working with them. I’m sure all those kids, now adults, are remembering him fondly, as am I.
We always referred to ourselves as the “extended Bottani-Tomber family.” We lost our father figure. I’ll cherish Thanksgiving game nights. Mr. Bottani, Mama Dorsey, Pat & Ted Pasquesi – not the fastest game players but absolutely hilarious. I hope they are all playing Catch Phrase together now.
We always referred to ourselves as the “extended Bottani-Tomber family.” We lost our father figure. I’ll cherish Thanksgiving game nights. Mr. Bottani, Mama Dorsey, Pat & Ted Pasquesi – not the fastest game players but absolutely hilarious. I hope they are all playing Catch Phrase together now.
Diane, Pia and Debbie, I am so sorry for you loss, he was one of the best. A true role model. I’ve known Joe for a long time. I grew up with the family in Ogles Subdivision. He will be deeply missed. God bless all of you.
Diane, Pia and Debbie, I am so sorry for you loss, he was one of the best. A true role model. I’ve known Joe for a long time. I grew up with the family in Ogles Subdivision. He will be deeply missed. God bless all of you.
I have so many memories of Joey from growing up next door to the Bottani family. Although it’s been many years since I last saw him, I am saddened by his death, yet still cheered by everyone’s stories of him. Hugs to the entire Bottani family.
I have so many memories of Joey from growing up next door to the Bottani family. Although it’s been many years since I last saw him, I am saddened by his death, yet still cheered by everyone’s stories of him. Hugs to the entire Bottani family.
Diane, my memories of Joe are mostly from our years together at Queen of Peace Grade School. Joe handled himself with such skill and grace even then. He never let his braces or forearm crutches slow him down much. It sounds like that was how he continued to live his life. I have no doubt that he is with Our Lord in Heaven, living brace, crutches, and wheel chair free. You and your family are in our prayers for strength, peace, and comfort.
Diane, my memories of Joe are mostly from our years together at Queen of Peace Grade School. Joe handled himself with such skill and grace even then. He never let his braces or forearm crutches slow him down much. It sounds like that was how he continued to live his life. I have no doubt that he is with Our Lord in Heaven, living brace, crutches, and wheel chair free. You and your family are in our prayers for strength, peace, and comfort.
This is shocking to us. Huge loss. A wonderful kind man. A family friend. I’ll never forget, he was the biggest hit at our wedding in 2010. Condolence’s Bottani family.
This is shocking to us. Huge loss. A wonderful kind man. A family friend. I’ll never forget, he was the biggest hit at our wedding in 2010. Condolence’s Bottani family.
Diane, Joe’s classmates at Queen of Peace grade school all enjoyed playing softball as a class at recess. Joe inspired all of us to not look at our limitations, but to figure out how to overcome them. Joe and Carl Mauck made a great team.
Diane, Joe’s classmates at Queen of Peace grade school all enjoyed playing softball as a class at recess. Joe inspired all of us to not look at our limitations, but to figure out how to overcome them. Joe and Carl Mauck made a great team.
My deepest condolences to the Bottani family. It’s obvious that he was loved and treasured by so many! I hope you find peace in happy memories as you mourn your loss and celebrate his life. Holding you in my heart during this difficult time.
My deepest condolences to the Bottani family. It’s obvious that he was loved and treasured by so many! I hope you find peace in happy memories as you mourn your loss and celebrate his life. Holding you in my heart during this difficult time.
Diane, please know that you and your entire family are in our prayers. Joe was a special person and anyone who had the pleasure of spending any time with him knows what I am speaking of. I never heard him or saw him give anyone a hard time. He was special. I know he will be missed by your entire family and anyone who had the privilege of knowing him. May he be at rest in Heaven.
Diane, please know that you and your entire family are in our prayers. Joe was a special person and anyone who had the pleasure of spending any time with him knows what I am speaking of. I never heard him or saw him give anyone a hard time. He was special. I know he will be missed by your entire family and anyone who had the privilege of knowing him. May he be at rest in Heaven.
Joe and I went to Queen of Peace grade school together and our families were very good friends. Joe’s family and my family would get together and there was so much laughter. Joe is actually my son‘s godfather and his wife Diane and I were very good friends. My heart is broken for the family! He was a man of honor and so much love. He will be missed!
Joe and I went to Queen of Peace grade school together and our families were very good friends. Joe’s family and my family would get together and there was so much laughter. Joe is actually my son‘s godfather and his wife Diane and I were very good friends. My heart is broken for the family! He was a man of honor and so much love. He will be missed!
Joe was my oldest 1st cousin, I was the youngest, we always had a wonderful loving relationship, may you always rest in peace ❤️
Joe was my oldest 1st cousin, I was the youngest, we always had a wonderful loving relationship, may you always rest in peace ❤️