Dr. Joseph M 'Joey' Ballatore, 06 Oct 1988 - 03 Oct 2024

BALLATORE, MALGIOGLIO, SCHUMACHER

Posted By: Sarah Witte (email)
Date: 10/18/2024 at 13:34:26

Dr. Joseph “Joey” M. Ballatore, aged 35, of Tiffin, tragically passed away in a car accident on Thursday, October 3, 2024. A private memorial service was held at Kloster Funeral Home, Marengo on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. Inurnment was at First Lutheran Cemetery, rural Conroy. Cards and memorials may be sent to the family in care of Kloster Funeral Home, at 298 W. Washington St., Marengo, Iowa 52301.

Joey is survived by his wife Sheena of Tiffin, his children Miles and Giuliana “Gigi” Ballatore, his parents Frank and Antonia “Toni” Ballatore of Naples, FL., a sister Christina Jessica “C.J.” Ballatore of Heber City, UT., his maternal grandmother Nina Malgioglio of Naples, FL., his mother-in-law Shelly Schumacher of Amana, and a brother-in-law Kyle (Ashley) Schumacher of Amana.

He is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Joseph and Catherine Ballatore, his maternal grandfather Joseph Malgioglio, and his father-in-law Mark Schumacher.

Joey was born October 6, 1988, on Long Island, NY and grew up in Connecticut, surrounded by his loving family—his parents, Toni and Frank, and his sister, CJ. He graduated from Ridgefield High School with the class of 2006. An accomplished athlete, he excelled in baseball, basketball, and football, but his passion was swimming. He proudly served as tri-captain of his high school swim team. He then went on to attend the University of Connecticut receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance in 2010 and his Bachelor’s Degree in Biology in 2011. He graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine with his Doctor of Dental Medicine in 2016. In addition to his athletic and other achievements, Joseph was an honor student who thrived academically, including a memorable study abroad experience in Florence, Italy during his college years.

Joey was united in marriage to Sheena Schumacher on November 11, 2017, in Iowa City, Iowa. They fell in love soon after they met at the University of Iowa while Joseph was pursuing his Certificate in Periodontics which he achieved in 2019. Immediately following, he started in a Periodontics Practice, Cedar Rapids Periodontics and Dental Implants with Sheena, and dedicated himself wholeheartedly to his patients, bringing compassion and care to everyone. He received his certification from the American Board of Periodontology in 2021.

Generosity defined Joseph’s character. He volunteered with Mission of Mercy, providing no-cost dental care to individuals in need during missions across Connecticut, Colorado, and South America. For the past several years he sponsored and participated in the “Especially for You Race Against Breast Cancer” in Cedar Rapids, further reflecting his dedication to helping others.

Joseph had a zest for life, embracing his love for travel, music, sports and was a trivia buff. He cherished every moment spent with his adoring family—Sheena, Miles, and Giuliana.

Joey will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched.

Published in The Gazette on October 14, 2024.