UPDATE: Plans in place to honor Happy Joe's founder Joe Whitty

The family of Happy Joe Whitty have announced plans to remember the founder of the pizza restaurant chain. They include a Happy Joe's Kids Foundation luncheon from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Waterfront Convention Center on Nov. 8th, 2019. It is a ticketed fundraiser for special needs children and is sold out.

Whitty died Oct. 28 and will be laid to rest on Nov. 9th with a funeral service at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Vianney Church in Bettendorf. Later that day, a Celebration of Life with a cash bar and pizza will be held at Jumer's Casino and Hotel in Rock Island from 4 p.m. - to 9 p.m. Space is limited to 400 people.

A private visitation will be held Nov. 8th at Haligan - McCabe Funeral Home in Davenport.

A Quad Cities legacy has died.

Joe Whitty, 82, died, Tuesday according to a post by his Daughter.

“Happy Joe Whitty completed his life’s work today,” Kristel Whitty-Ersan, posted. He now rests in God’s loving arms.”

Whitty founded Happy Joe’s Pizza in 1972 with a location in the Village of East Davenport.

According to Whitty’s biography on the company’s website, Whitty was born in Minot, North Dakota and moved to Davenport in 1966 to take a job at Super Value Bakery.

“Joe inspired us. Remember Joe with happiness. He was a bright light in our world with an unforgettable smile and a compassionate faithful heart,” his daughter wrote.

Funeral services for Whitty are pending.