Joseph Roland DeGregorio

The first of 7 devoted children of the late Roland and Victoria, Joe, a man who impacted countless lives in positive ways during his 77 years, was proud father of Charlie, and “Pops” to his prodigious grandson Henry, who he deeply adored. Mischievous, but loyal and loving brother to Anita (Steve) Scales, Francine DeGregorio, Paul (Kerry) DeGregorio, Roland DeGregorio, Tina (Terry) Crouppen and John DeGregorio. Joe leaves behind his angel on earth, devoted fiancé, and constant companion Christen Martin, for whom his family and friends will be eternally grateful for her love and care during his 8-year battle with cancer. Joe will miss and be missed by his forever faithful labradoodle Pepino, who brought him tremendous joy. Joe also had a special bond with his many aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, and cousins and other relatives (he was a Sicilian, after all), even including his first wife Joan Roberts DeGregorio, and the many friends from all over whose lives were forever changed when they met him.

As a child, Joe stood out in every family picture or movie by jumping up and down and making goofy faces, something he continued for the rest of his life.

Joe picked up many skills from his parents, including working as a busboy and waiter with his dad, who taught him how to serve and respect people of all backgrounds. Lover of all things Italian, he picked up his ability to cook Italian dishes and his lifetime love of dancing from his mom.

After graduating in 1970 from his beloved University of Missouri-Columbia (think MIZ…) in Broadcast Journalism, Joe served his nation admirably during the Vietnam era as a chaplain’s assistant in South Korea. During his 30+ year career as a Federal Agent, he was based in Kansas City, Chicago, Dallas, Long Beach and Heidelberg, Germany, rising to the rank of Regional Director of the Defense Security Service (now the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency). Joe specialized in the protection of classified programs, counterespionage, counterintelligence, counterterrorism and related disciplines. In 1979 he earned a Master’s in Public Administration from Long Beach State University, CA.

A native of the famed St. Louis Italian neighborhood known as “The Hill”, in 2005 Joe took over the tours of the Hill his father Roland had led for 25 years. He later expanded his repertoire to include the Dogtown and Bevo Mill/Bosnian neighborhoods, on which he had conducted extensive historical and cultural research.

But Joe was most passionate about the Hill, where he was born, grew up, and had recently returned to live. He devoted the last decades of his life to promoting it every single day. Not the shy type, he gave dozens of interviews to local and national print, radio and television media to tell the Hill’s compelling story. On his tours, often conducted with dear friend Sam Martorelli, Joe introduced thousands to the Hill, providing an insider’s view into its unique history, traditions and culture. He told stories of hard-working immigrants, of Prohibition-era stills, and of sportsmen like Yogi Berra and Joe Garagiola. He would explain the primacy of St. Ambrose church and impact of Hill Day and Hill 2000, while offering samples Volpi or Oldani salami, Mama Toscano’s ravioli or Vitale’s cookies, and even Bocce lessons. He made significant contributions both on-camera and off to the well-received 2020 Documentary, “The Hill, America’s Last Little Italy”, which was broadcast on national television, and the 2020 book, “The Hill, St. Louis’ Italian-American Neighborhood”. His last endeavor, “The Hill, A Walk Through History”, published by Reedy Press and available on Amazon and at DiGregorio’s Market, was a fitting capstone to his career.

Joe was a member of several Italian-American organizations, the American Legion, Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity, Disabled American Veterans, and the St. Louis Professional Tour Guide Association. From 2015-2020 he was a Board member of the National Federation of Tour Guide Associations. Joe authored numerous articles on tourism, Tour Guides and, of course, The Hill.

Joe was an excellent tennis player, participating in leagues from his 20s through his 70s. Other long-time interests included dancing, bocce, travel, Mizzou football and entering sweepstakes. Joe lived every day to the fullest, especially during his last years battling cancer. If there was a fun time to be had, Joe was there. His stories and memory will live on forever in the hearts and minds of everyone he touched.

Joe wanted a big turnout at his funeral (remember, he was goofy and not shy). His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, August 19, 2024 at 10:00 am at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 5130 Wilson Avenue St. Louis, MO, 63110 with visitation at the church from 9:00 am-10:00 am. Burial will be at Jefferson Barracks at a later time and will be private. In lieu of flowers and pasta, Joe asked that donations be made to the Hill Neighborhood Center, 1935 Marconi, St. Louis, MO 63110. Donations can be made through Hill 2000 (https://www.hillstl.org/).

Please leave a favorite memory of Joe for his family to cherish at the "Add a Memory" link below.