Joseph A. Polichino, Jr.
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Joe Polichino passed away peacefully at his home in Fredericksburg, Texas after a recent illness. He was 73 years of age.
He was born in Houston, Texas to Joseph Anthony Polichino Sr. & Adeline 'Babe' Polichino. After spending his childhood in Rosenberg, Texas, Joe and his family moved back to Houston where he completed his schooling. He was part of a large, wonderful Italian family who instilled in him an enormous heart, an infectious laugh and an enjoyment of all he met. He was a true gentleman.
Joe attended Strake Jesuit College Preparatory in Houston, relishing the friends he made and embracing a life of service. He attended South Texas Junior College and was a member of the U of H Alumni Association.
After college, Joe joined his father in the beer distribution business, enjoying a successful 30 years selling both domestic and international brands. As part of his business outreach, Joe was active in the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, serving as the first Chairman of the Barbeque Committee and eventually becoming a Lifetime Director. He also served as a Board Member the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Houston and the Citizens Chamber of Commerce.
As the child of an Italian immigrant family, Joe felt strong ties to the Italian community around him. He served on the Board of the Italian Cultural & Community Center and happily took his turn as Chairman of the Italian Festival in Houston. Additionally, Joe was elected for 2 terms as a Councilman on the West University City Council, the community where he and his wife, Jean, raised their family.
Joe was naturally curious & creative, leading to his participation in many start-up businesses, including a marketing company and a small restaurant called "Pita Gourmet." Eventually, his varied business experiences and his knowledge lead him to join SCORE, the nation's largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors dedicated to assisting small businesses at no cost. Here he found his true purpose. He was a member of the Houston chapter for 14 years, and after retiring to Fredericksburg, TX in 2017, became a member of the San Antonio chapter.
In the years preceding his death, he served in various leadership roles with the San Antonio group, successfully expanding and diversifying the chapter. Joe guided and inspired countless entrepreneurs and small business owners as they navigated their ventures. He was at his happiest when helping people reach for their dreams.
Joe's other passions included service to his church, learning about his family history, watching the Oilers and later the Texans on Sundays, sharing his love of music and playing the drums.
Joe is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Vincent Joseph Polichino. He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Jean Polichino; his son, Joseph A. 'Tony' Polichino III (Abby); his daughter, Sara Gale Beckner (Garett); and his grandchildren: Romi Adeline Polichino and Elliott 'Ellie' Grey Beckner. He is also survived by his sister, Sandra Colley (F.L. 'Sonny') and brother, John Collins Polichino.
A Memorial Service is being planned for early August in Houston.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Joe's name to the Strake Jesuit College Preparatory Crusader Fund, the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Education Fund (both in Houston), or to Hill Country Memorial Hospice in Fredericksburg, Texas.