Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Joseph Anthony "Scooter" Schillaci Jr.
1941 - 2025
FUNERAL HOME
Joseph Schillaci Obituary
12/14/1941 - 06/15/2025
Joseph Anthony "Scooter" Schillaci, Jr. born in 1941, Houston, TX, passed away peacefully, 83 on June 15, 2025, in Houston, TX surrounded by his family.
Scooter attended St. Anne's Grade School, Marian High School ('59). He went on to earn his BBA from Texas A&M University ('63).
A pioneer in the restaurant industry, he owned The Mariner Restaurants, Mama Rizzo's Italian Restaurant. Other ventures included The Big Mouth Frog, Nantucket Inn and Scooter's. He later managed Magic Island, Dirty's and retired in 2023 from The Buffalo Grille. Scooter enjoyed golfing, poker games, visits to the racetracks, and socializing with friends.
Scooter will be greatly missed. He often remarked, "I should have written a book," reflecting on his experiences, including the remarkable recovery of his lost Aggie ring after 37 years.
Scooter is survived by his sons, Michael (Andrea) and Kevin (Deanne). His sister Patricia, brother Thomas (Sally), 7 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, former wife and best friend Diane, and numerous Nieces and Cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Sr. and Patrina (Tortorice) Schillaci.
The family extends their gratitude to The Gardens of Bellaire Assisted Living staff for their care during his battle with Alzheimer's.
A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, from 1-4 pm at Bradshaw Carter Memorial & Funeral Services at 1734 W. Alabama St, Houston, TX 77098.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to Texas A&M Foundation or the Alzheimer's Association.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Schillaci
Sponsored by Bradshaw-Carter Memorial & Funeral Services - Houston.
12 Entries
Deanne Schillaci
June 20, 2025
I have been incredibly blessed to be a part of his family for the past 30 years.
I can honestly say, he was the best father-in-law on the planet!
He showered his family and friends with unconditional love and I will miss him!
Ruthie Freedman
June 18, 2025
Diane. I was so sorry to hear about Scooter. You all have my deepest condolences. Ruthie and Louis. .
Cheryl Jeter
June 18, 2025
I remember Scooter from The Mariner when it was the place to go. I spent many nights there seeing everyone in Houston there and having fun with Scooter and his stories. Good Times.
Mea
June 18, 2025
I´m so sorry for your loss. I am praying for you all. Please know that your loved one is safe in God´s memory (Proverbs 14:14,15). Just as he brought his son Jesus back to life, he will do the same for your loved one. May God give you comfort and strength to help you cope during this difficult time.
Constant & Neill Masterson
June 17, 2025
Dear Patsy,
You and all of your family are in our prayers. With love, Constant & Neill
Aidan Schillaci
June 17, 2025
My paw paw was such an amazing man, he always had so many good stories/punchlines he will be missed very much.
Patrick Feagins
June 17, 2025
Scooter and I served in the US Coast guard Reserves together, including Boot Camp in Alameda, California. He knew my family from his time at the Stables Steak House. He was honest, friendly and hard working. He found us (He and I) several good clean places to eat in San Francisco during Boot Camp and in Las Vegas shared his free room and shows furnished by family friends while traveling to and from Boot Camp. Great Guy and loved his family and his work. He will be very much missed by many people.
Ross Margraves, Jr.
June 17, 2025
SCOOTER AND BOTH MADELINE AND I GO BACK MORE YEARS THAN WE LIKE TO REMEMBER. WE WERE FRIENDS THOUGH GRADE SCHOOL, HIGH SCHOOL AND WERE CLASSMATES AT TEXAS A&M. SCOOTER WAS A REMARKABLE GUY AND WILL BE MISSED BY MANY.
ROSS & MADELINE MARGRAVES.
Harold and Rita (Kuntz) Flynn
June 17, 2025
God bless this family and may Scooter rest in peace. So sorry for your loss.
Glenn
June 17, 2025
Scooter was funny and always had a story to tell. Cara and I always loved that he and Diane were such good friends. We are so sorry for your loss.
lewis krantz
June 17, 2025
I shared a lot of life experiences with Scooter
First - We were both born at St Joseph during the same week (3 Days Apart) so that is where I met Scooter. LOL
Second - We were in the same squadron at TAMU in 1959
Third - We ate at most of his restaurants
Fourth - He actually purchased my first home from me
Fifth - I spent many days chatting with him at Buffalo
Michael Schillaci
June 17, 2025
I have never been anywhere with my father that we didn´t see someone that knew him. Some say he knew everyone in Houston. I will miss him so much. Rest in peace.
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results
Make a Donation
in Joseph Schillaci's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Joseph Schillaci
Funeral services provided by:
Bradshaw-Carter Memorial & Funeral Services - Houston1734 W Alabama St, Houston, TX 77098
How to support Joseph's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Joseph Schillaci's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more