Joseph Vincent Fertitta Sr.

Joseph Fertitta Sr. died on October 7, 2019, in San Antonio. He was 78. Joseph was born on Sept. 22, 1941, in Beaumont, Texas. When he was a child, he moved with his parents to San Antonio, where his family lived along Woodlawn Lake for the next 50 years. When he was about 4 years old his father was killed in France during World War II. Joseph graduated from Central Catholic High School. He received his bachelor of arts in history from St. Mary's University, and made his career in the insurance business. In 1963, he married his high school sweetheart Patricia Stenger, and they remained lifelong friends. They had one son, Joseph Fertitta Jr., and two daughters, Gianna Fertitta and Carissa Fertitta. He later married Carmen Fertitta, with whom he also remained lifelong friends, and together they raised Michael Fertitta. Joseph demonstrated a passionate commitment to the Catholic Church. He became an ordained deacon and served with devotion at Blessed Sacrament for many years. Joseph was preceded in death by his daughter, Carissa, and his mother, Dora. He is survived by his son, Joseph Fertitta Jr. and daughter-in-law Lena; his daughter, Gianna, and son-in-law Manny; his grandsons Benjamin, Cristopher, and Aidan; his brother Frank and sister-in-law Denise; his sister Linda and sister-in-law Melanie, and numerous extended family members who were near and dear to his heart: Martina Meritz, spouse Vince and their children Isaac and Mila; Pat Stenger Meritz; Darren Meritz; Carmen Fertitta; Michael Fertitta, spouse Kelly and their son Michael. Joseph was devoted to his children and grandchildren, always eager to share that they were the light of his life. He had a great passion for his Italian heritage, and loved to go out and share a meal. All who have had the pleasure of knowing him would say he was the kindest of men. He will be greatly missed. The family will receive friends from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Monday, October 14, 2019 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 600 Oblate Drive. ROSARY/MASS MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2019 11:30 AM BLESSED SACRAMENT CHURCH GRAVESIDE SERVICE MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2019 1:30 PM SUNSET MEMORIAL PARK 1701 AUSTIN HWY Pallbearers will be: Aidan Valdez, Benjamin Valdez, Cristopher Valdez, Darren Meritz, Eric Dupre, and Vincent Alvarado.