Joe Paglia

Joe “The Broker” Paglia, 87, of Marshalltown, Iowa, passed away on August 23, 2026. A cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Joe will be deeply missed. His family is grateful to St. Croix Hospice for the compassionate care provided during his final weeks and extends special thanks to the staff of Bickford Cottage for the loving and caring environment they created for Joe over the past 16 months.

Joe was born on August 26, 1938, to Armando and Rose (Chidichimo) Paglia. The youngest of eleven children, he spent his childhood working in the garden, hunting squirrels, creating mischief around the neighborhood, and working as a shoeshine boy.

Joe met Betty Davis of Marietta, Iowa, while on leave from the Navy. During his service he earned his high school diploma and served for four years on submarine duty as a third-class electrician. Joe and Betty were married on March 12, 1958, and shared 68 years of marriage. Betty joined Joe in New London, Connecticut where they spent their early years.

Following Joe’s discharge from the Navy, the couple returned to Marshalltown. Joe worked as a salesman for Krantman’s Salvage Yard and later as a carpenter. He founded J Paglia Construction, whose motto was, “We build the best and fix the rest.” A lifelong Marshalltown resident, Joe also operated The General Store and Pawnshop with his sons, Wade and Jay, for more than 45 years. He owned Automatic Coin Company and sponsored a softball team that brought him many happy memories.

Joe was an enthusiastic storyteller who kept everyone entertained. A natural charmer, he made everyone feel welcome around his table. He enjoyed family dinners, calling Bingo on Christmas Eve, wheeling and dealing, and the occasional game of dice or cards. He also enjoyed hunting, camping at Shady Hills Campgrounds, fishing at Lake Pepin, Minnesota, and spending time with his family. In his later years, Joe created unique gifts in his woodshop.

Joe is survived by his wife, Betty, and his children: Jody Paglia of Des Moines; Wade Paglia (Tiffany Lynch) of Marshalltown; and Jay Paglia (JC Rae Johnson) of Marshalltown. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Jennifer (Terry) Mellows of Gardner, Kansas; Danielle Rethmeier (Jason Naset) of West Des Moines; and Josh (Angie) Paglia of Bondurant. Joe leaves behind five great-grandchildren; his brother, Jim (Betty) Paglia of Atascadero, California; and his brother-in-law, Dick Barlow of Loveland, Colorado.

He was preceded in death by his grandson, Joseph Rethmeier; his parents Armando and Rose; and his siblings, Greg, Mike, Frank, Tony, Kay, Mary, Margaret, Angie, Ann and their spouses.

A visitation will be held at Mitchell Family Funeral Home on Saturday September 5, 2026 at 2:00PM. A funeral service will be held at 3:30PM in the Mitchell Family Funeral Home chapel, with a luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the Animal Rescue League of Marshalltown.

Mitchell Family Funeral Home is honored to care for Joe and his family.