On Sunday, March 9, 2025, at 7:30 AM, Diane Mary (Plefka) Taormina peacefully passed away after a courageous battle with cancer at the age of 82. She was born on October 8, 1942, in Chicago, IL, to Walter and Mary Plefka and was the beloved younger sister of Walter. Just a day later, on Monday, March 10, 2025, at 4:00 PM, her devoted husband, Joseph Michael Taormina, passed away from a broken heart at the age of 83. He was born on November 6, 1941, in St. Louis, MO, to Sam and Vivian Taormina and was the cherished older brother to Richard and Virginia Taormina.
Joseph and Diane's love story began at the age of 14 when they met and instantly formed an unbreakable bond. As freshmen at Normandy High School, they began dating, setting the foundation for a lifetime of love and devotion. On December 29, 1962, they were married at The Ascension of Our Lord in St. Louis, MO, embarking on a journey together that would span more than six decades. Throughout their 62 years of marriage, they built a life centered around faith, family, and love. They raised four daughters, each of whom carried forward their values of kindness, loyalty, and

strength. Their family continued to grow, blessing them with nine grandchildren and eight great- grandchildren, each of whom brought them immense joy.

They are survived by their loving family: Kristine, who married Michael Hallahan on April 15, 1983, and their children—Joseph (married to Morgan Hamner, parents to sons Harper and Hampton), Nicholas (Nick) (engaged to Jennifer Lospospinoso, father to daughter Sailor), and Alicia (married to Kevin Ciciora, parents to daughters Teagan and Presley); Laura, who married Anthony (Tony) Visintine on March 27, 1999, and their daughter Adrienne; Karen, who married David (Dave) Scheihing on January 23, 1988, and their children—Alexis and Ian (married to Mallory Hocking, parents to Avery, Gunnar, and Huntleigh); and Michelle, who married Michael Cosman on June 21, 1997, and their children—Jordyn, Brooks, and Carsyn.
Joseph was a talented baseball player, playing at Nicholls State University before advancing to the minor leagues with the Cleveland Indians Organization. Though his professional baseball career ended, his passion for the sport never faded. After his time in baseball, he transitioned into a career in sales, where he thrived. The majority of his career was spent with Allen Foods, now known as US Foods, where he dedicated 40 years before retiring in 2008. His contributions to the sport were recognized in 2010 when he was inducted into the Greater St. Louis Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame, a moment of great pride for him and his family.
Diane embraced her role as a devoted homemaker, creating a warm and welcoming home filled with love, faith, and tradition. She was a wonderful cook, and family gatherings often centered around the meals she lovingly prepared. Her home was always open, filled with laughter, love, and the aromas of home-cooked meals. During her free time, she could be found shopping for a good deal.

Together, Joseph and Diane found joy in traveling, whether exploring new destinations for fun or visiting their grandchildren to cheer them on at sporting events. They both had a deep love for sports, often watching games together, celebrating victories, and sharing their competitive spirit.
When Joseph wasn't coaching their daughters in softball, he and Diane played in recreational slow-pitch softball leagues together, sharing their love for the game. In his retirement, Joseph enjoyed fishing.
A Love That Transcends Time, Joseph and Diane were truly inseparable, not only in life but in passing, proving that their love was eternal. They were the heart of their family, creating a legacy of love, strength, and devotion that will live on for generations to come.
A visitation for Joseph and Diane will be held at the Ortmann Stipanovich Funeral Home on April 4, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by a service from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, with a reception to follow.
Their love story, unwavering devotion to family, and passion for life will be forever cherished by all who were blessed to know them.

Ortmann Stipanovich Funeral Home  osfuneralhomes.com