Harry John Satariano died peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on Sunday, July 26, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer. In a birth befitting his flair for the dramatic, Harry entered the world on November 30, 1950, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania during “The Great Appalachian Storm of 1950.” He relished being Anthony and Grace Satariano’s youngest child by over 12 years and was keenly aware of the privilege his birth order afforded him, such as frequent trips with his parents and his adult siblings. Despite moving to Kansas City when he was 13, Harry never lost his Pittsburgh accent or his love for the city, including Heinz House, the Duquesne Incline, and the diverse neighborhoods—which, most importantly to Harry, provided unique access to a wide variety of foods.
He quickly adapted to life in Kansas City, however, and made the area his home for much of the rest of his life along with his parents and sisters. After graduating from Bishop Miege High School in 1968, Harry attended St. Thomas Seminary with the intention of entering the priesthood. (Luckily for his daughter, he ultimately decided that was not the best path forward for him.)
Harry lived life to the fullest, experiencing many adventures in his 20s and 30s. Among the highlights were spending a summer in Washington, D.C., as a participant in a coveted internship program; living with a deaf community in Tucson, Arizona; conducting therapeutic research with wild dolphins and special needs children off the coast of the Florida Keys; becoming a professional auctioneer; and myriad travels, including to his ancestral home of Sicily.
After departing the seminary, Harry discovered his true calling: becoming a therapist. He pursued higher education in psychology at both Menninger’s and the University of Kansas, ultimately becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and earning a Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work. Harry spent the early part of his career as an adjunct professor at KU, where he helped pilot a program to aid parents in grieving the loss of a child. This program later became part of hospital protocol worldwide. He spent the next chapter of his career in private practice, focusing on marriage and family therapy, play therapy for children, and mediation. It was through this work that he touched—and quite literally saved—countless lives. He also helped create support systems to uplift those in the Kansas City community, many of whom he never met. For example, he assisted in the establishment of Solace House, a dedicated center for grief and healing. His legacy lives on through everyone whose life he helped improve.
Harry was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Grace Satariano; sister, Grace Groetzinger; brother, Anthony (“Mickey”) Satariano; and sister-in-law, Patricia Satariano. He is survived by his beloved family, including daughter, Alexandrea (“Alex”) Satariano; longtime partner, Denise Yost; sister, Marie Mills (Gary Lerner); caregiver, Cathie Koch; and his late sister’s longtime companion, Ken Fridel. Harry was deeply loved by his nieces and nephews, along with their spouses, children, and grandchildren, all of whom fondly called him “Uncle Harry.” He also leaves behind a number of cherished cousins and friends.
Harry will forever be remembered for his easy laugh and beautiful smile; his quick wit; his relentless optimism; his love of “oldies” music and all things Christmas; his unique sense of humor; his zest for life; his strength in adversity; his willingness to listen with an open mind; his gentle heart; and his desire to make the world a better place. To know him was to love him. He will be missed dearly.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Harry’s care team at KU, particularly Dr. Rodriguez and Dr. Milligan, whose world-class care helped Harry beat the life expectancy odds for glioblastoma by nearly one full year. The family would also like to thank Kansas City Hospice and the team who took excellent care of Harry these past few months and treated him with kindness and dignity.
In lieu of flowers, Harry asked before his passing that donations be made to Kansas City Hospice or one of the charities he supported throughout his life, including Ronald McDonald House of Kansas City, Heartland Men’s Chorus, and Planned Parenthood Great Plains.
Harry’s celebration of life will be held at LongHouse Visitor Center at the Overland Park Arboretum (9209 W. 179th Street Overland Park, KS 66013) on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 2-4pm. This will be an open house event, and dessert and refreshments will be served. As he wanted it to be a true celebration, please wear colorful clothing.
