88R29194 KSM-D
By: Thompson of Brazoria H.R. No. 1603
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Brazoria County lost an iconic restaurateur with the
passing of Joe Vincent Saladino of Friendswood on April 25, 2023, at
the age of 75; and
WHEREAS, The son of Mary and Sam Saladino, Joe Saladino was
born in Houston on March 2, 1948; he learned the value of hard work
by rising early to help his father and grandfather prepare barbeque
for the family restaurant; after graduating from Mount Carmel High
School, he served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War; he
realized his dream of opening his own restaurant in 1976; Joe's
Barbeque in Manvel had just four tables and three employees, but it
caught on quickly, and six years later, Mr. Saladino launched
another location in Alvin; in 1999, he added Joe's Banquet Center to
host family celebrations and meetings; his catering operation grew
large enough to serve major corporate clients and groups numbering
in the tens of thousands; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Saladino adapted swiftly to the upheaval of the
COVID-19 pandemic; he continued to employ approximately 100 people,
including many who had worked for him for decades; he was also
renowned for stepping forward to assist in the wake of severe storms
and emergency situations, keeping the restaurant open to feed first
responders and others, and he never charged police and fire
department personnel in uniform for their meals; a mentor to
countless youngsters, he was always ready to support local schools
as well as his church and various community organizations and never
sought credit for his generosity; warm and friendly, he enjoyed
spending lunchtime laughing and conversing with customers at his
favorite table; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Saladino was deeply devoted to his family; he
shared a fulfilling relationship of 52 years with his wife,
Beverly, and he took great pride in his four children, seven
grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Joe Saladino lived a rich and purposeful life
centered around his family, his business, and his community, and he
will be remembered with great admiration and affection by all who
were privileged to know him; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Joe Vincent
Saladino and extend sincere condolences to the members of his
family: to his wife, Beverly Saladino; to his children, Joe
Saladino Jr. and his wife, Kacey, Sarah Barham and her husband,
Duane, Jennifer Parker and her husband, Mike, and Wesley Saladino
and his wife, Erin; to his grandchildren, Kate Saladino, Jordan Wat
and her husband, Nicholas, Nicholas Taylor, Whitney Barham, Sam
Barham, Dawson Parker, and Landon Parker; to his
great-grandchildren, Henry and Hudson Wat; to his brother, Michael
Saladino, and his wife, Ginger; and to his other relatives and many
friends; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Joe
Saladino.