Joseph Roy Massa died peacefully on March 29, 2025, after a battle with a rare form of bone marrow cancer. Joe was born August 25, 1941, in Sioux City, Iowa, the son of Lawrence and Shirley Massa. His early years were spent in Sturgis, South Dakota, where he graduated from Sturgis Brown High School in 1959. Joe spent one year at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., but soon found his true calling at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion. There, he earned his BS in Economics in 1963. He completed his MBA at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, in 1964.

That same year, Joe married Sherry Moore, and together they built a loving family that would eventually include four children. In 1964, Joe began his career at Security Pacific Bank in Los Angeles, California. His career took an important turn in 1968 when he returned to USD, stepping into the role of Vice President of Student Affairs. Among his many accomplishments, he took immense pride in the completion of the Dakota Dome in 1979, a milestone for the university.

The spring of 1979 marked a new chapter as the Massa family moved to Rapid City, South Dakota. Over the years, Joe explored various industries before discovering his passion for the burgeoning gaming industry in 1991. He successfully built and managed casinos in South Dakota and Iowa, eventually joining Elite Casinos and Resorts in 2002. During his time there, he played a pivotal role in launching multiple casinos, including: Riverside Casino and Golf Resort in Riverside, IA; Grand Falls Casino in Larchwood, IA; and Rhythm City Casino, Davenport, IA.. He served as Chair of the Iowa Gaming Association for several years. His dedication to his work lasted until his retirement in 2018. He continued to serve on the Elite Board of Directors until his passing.

Joe was a man who truly embraced life. He had a zest for experiences and had to keep moving. He was proud of his 4-mile Carriage Hills hikes as he listened to NPR. Whether attending a concert, traveling to new destinations, savoring delicious meals, challenging himself on the golf course, or enjoying a peaceful day of fishing, his joy for life was contagious, and he often commented on how blessed he was. One of his greatest treasures was spending time with his grandchildren, who filled him with extreme pride and happiness. He was also a devoted supporter of Coyote Athletics and traveled the country cheering on his "Yotes." Known for his wonderful sense of humor, Joe was always ready with a playful tease. He also offered valuable advice and guidance to anyone who sought it.

Joseph is survived by his four children: Monique (Nathan) Miller, South Haven, MN; Lawrence (Christina) Massa, Tempe, AZ; Angela (Michael) Stanford, Rapid City, SD; and Dominic (Brenna) Massa, Lakewood, CO. He leaves behind four grandchildren: Hawkin Miller, Savannah (Brody) Jones, Joseph Massa, and Astoria Massa, along with six siblings: Ida Langer, Ann Peterson, Mike (Pam) Massa, Pia Wilkins, Tom Massa, and Mark (Beth) Massa.

He is preceded in death by his three granddaughters, Amelia, Brookanne, and Cecilia Massa, and his former wife, Sherry Massa.

The family wishes to express gratitude to the Monument Cancer Care Institute and the dedicated nurses and technicians who provided exceptional care to their father. During the last months of his life, Joe received life-extending blood transfusions. The family encourages those who can to donate blood or make a monetary donation to their local blood bank in his memory. In place of flowers, donations can also be made to the Sioux Spiritual Center. In his last act of giving, his body will be donated to the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine in Vermillion, South Dakota.

The family will host a Coyote Tailgate in Joe's honor at Murphy's Bar on Thursday, April 3, 2025, from 6:00-8:00 P.M. Please wear your Coyote gear or something red. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, April 4, 2025, at 10:00 A.M. at Saint Isaac Jogues Catholic Church. An open-house reception will follow at Minerva's Restaurant.