Joe Raso's Obituary
“Papa” Joe Raso passed away on Friday, February 23, 2024, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Joe was born in Salt Lake City, UT on January 28, 1965, to Joe Raso and Marcella Santistevan Berry. He graduated from Alta High School in 1983 and later married Heidi Hanson of the same graduating class. Joe was a talented craftsman, and he had a hand in many familiar buildings around Utah and the surrounding states.
Joe enjoyed watching all sports, but especially football. He was an avid Dallas Cowboys and Utah Utes fan where he attended most home games for several years. Joe was blessed with incredible intellect and memory. He could quote from memory many different facts about sports, history, politics, plants, and science. He was quick-witted - very few people got the better of Joe in a teasing match. He constantly had his family and friends laughing from his witty jokes.
His hobbies included: golfing, cooking, gardening, and spending time with his family. Joe had a green thumb and built an incredible yard for his family. It was not uncommon for Joe to spend his free time caring for the yard he designed and built. Many happy memories were spent with family and friends doing cookouts in his beautiful backyard.
Joe held a special place in his heart for his children and grandchildren. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren whom he affectionately referred to as his “babies”. During family get-togethers it was common to see Papa Joe playing with or otherwise spending time with his grandbabies.
While we are sad for our loss, we believe that love leaves behind more than death can take away. This is especially true of Joe. His family and friends feel the influence of his life in our daily interactions whether it is playful teasing / joking, remembering lessons he taught or looking at the buildings he had a hand in constructing.
He is survived by his children Ashley Scott, Justin (Sharise) Davidson, Tyler (Shalayna) Raso, Carly Raso, Stockton (Allison) Raso, 9 grandchildren, mother and stepfather Marcella and Max Berry, grandparents Max and Afton Berry, brothers Greg (Roselle) Raso, Al Berry, sisters Tammie Raso, Christina Berry, Tracy Berry, ex-wife Heidi (Todd) Spratt and multiple aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He is preceded in death by his father Joe Raso, paternal grandparents Joe and Nellie Raso, maternal grandparents Genario and Eliza Santistevan, and niece Adriana Sells.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date but may not take place until the summer when all of his children can be present.
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