Mark Joseph Passaro

Mark Joseph Passaro, 40, of Merriam, Kansas passed away peacefully May 24, 2022 at his home surrounded by his fiance  Katharine Patterson, his mother Connie and his father Henry. Mark was born June 1, 1981 in Kansas City, MO. Mark was an “old soul.” He was an avid watch and antique collector, a voracious reader of literature, a plant enthusiast, and loved a wide variety of music. He loved all animals, especially his Corgi Ollie. He took advantage of any opportunity to wear a bow tie and sport coat, enjoy an espresso, a carefully crafted cocktail, or spend time with his incredibly loyal and caring friends.

At the age of 2,  Mark was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. Despite this causing him physical and emotional pain over the years, he lived a life full of love. He received the tremendous gift of a double lung transplant on May 27, 2017 which provided him with 2 years and 8 months of easy breathing. Unfortunately, in February 2020, Mark experienced a major health setback with a diagnosis of chronic rejection. The time that followed was filled with many hospitalizations and difficult medical procedures until he made the courageous decision to enter hospice.

Mark was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Ruth and Henry Passaro, Sr, his maternal grandparents Rosann and Theodore Lohmann, and his uncle Jerry Lohmann. Survivors include his parents Constance “Connie” and Henry Passaro, Jr, his brother Carl Nicholas Passaro of Springfield, MO, his aunts and uncles Tim (Vickie) Lohmann, Rita (Roger) Crawford, Theresa Lohmann, Linda (Todd) Dick, Tina (Chris) Bost, Jane (Doug) Latty, Tammy Lohmann, and 18 cousins.

A celebration of life will be held at The Maverick Event Center, 1911 Broadway Blvd. Kansas City, MO 64108 on Saturday, July 16th from 2:00-6:00.  If you are so moved, please bring a memory or memories of Mark that can be placed in a book for me to save.  For the gentlemen, consider wearing a bow tie in honor of Mark. There will be nametags available where you can write your name and your association to Mark.. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA).