Roll Call Tribute

Joseph Anthony Schillaci, Jr. 

December 14, 1941 - June 15, 2025 

Joseph Anthony “Scooter” Schillaci, Jr. passed away peacefully at the age of 83, June 15, 2025, at Gardens of Bellaire Assisted Living Facility, surrounded by his family.

Born in 1941, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Houston, Texas, Scooter was welcomed into the world one week after the Pearl Harbor bombing. His father humorously remarked that the Japanese air raid shook him loose. Scooter was cherished by his parents, Patrina and Joseph Schillaci, Sr., earning his nickname due to his early mobility.

Scooter attended St. Anne’s Catholic Grade School and Marian High School, graduating in 1959. He excelled in athletics, lettering in football and baseball, and earned a baseball scholarship to Texas A&M University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1963. After graduating he entered the US Coast Guard and served six months active duty and five and a half years in the reserves.

In 1966, Scooter met Diane Mathews, and they married on July 1, 1968. They had two sons, Michael and Kevin. Scooter valued family gatherings in his Briar Meadow neighborhood and enjoyed golfing, poker games, visits to racetracks or casinos, and socializing with friends.

Born into a large Sicilian family, Scooter developed a deep appreciation for Italian cuisine, particularly pasta and meatballs made by his mother, Patrina. He began his career in the restaurant industry in 1964 at the Stables Steak House under Lloyd Nesmith's mentorship.

After gaining managerial experience, Scooter opened Alfie’s Fish & Chips on S. Shepherd Dr. He later partnered with Lew Miller, Bobby Mylerberg, and Dick Beazile to open The Mariner Restaurant on Westheimer and Mama Rizzo’s Italian Restaurant next door. Other ventures included The Big Mouth Frog, Nantucket Inn, Scooter’s, and Magic Island Supper Club. He worked with Bob Morris at Dirty’s Restaurant and later with the McAleer family at The Buffalo Grille. Scooter retired in 2022 after a successful career in the Houston restaurant industry.

Scooter will be greatly missed. His smile, work ethic, good humor, and storytelling ability endeared him to customers, colleagues, and family alike. 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 Anthony Schillaci (Andrea) and Kevin Paul Schillaci (Deanne), grandchildren Catherine Elizabeth Schillaci, Jonathan Michael Schillaci, Andre Paul Schillaci, triplets Alyssa Nicole, Aidan Michael, and Alexander Bryce Schillaci. His sister Patricia Ann Schillaci, her daughter Krista Blake Kleypas, brother Thomas Paul Schillaci (Sally), and her daughters. His former wife and best friend Diane Mathews Schillaci, and numerous Tortorice and Schillaci cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, Patrina (Tortorice)Schillaci and Joseph Anthony Schillaci, Sr.

The family extends their gratitude to The Gardens of Bellaire Assisted Living staff and Houston Hospice for their care during Scooter’s battle with Alzheimer's disease.

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.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to Texas A&M Foundation (TXAMfoundation.com) or the Alzheimer’s Association (https://www.alz.org/).