March 2, 1948 – April 25, 2023
Joe Vincent Saladino passed away on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at his home in Friendswood, Texas.
Joe was born on March 2, 1948 in Houston, Texas to Mary and Sam Saladino. He graduated from Mount Carmel High School in 1966 before being drafted into the U.S. Army. Joe served his country in the Vietnam War from 1968-1970.
With fond memories of his father and grandfather preparing barbeque in his family’s restaurant and a goal to own a restaurant of his own someday, Joe eventually opened his first restaurant in 1976 in Manvel, Texas. What started out as a small operation ultimately became the present-day Joe’s Barbeque Restaurant right down the road in Alvin, Texas. Joe continued to keep his restaurant a family tradition – the restaurant experience is served up in a family friendly environment and many of his own family members worked in the restaurant as a rite of passage through the years.
As his restaurant grew, Joe looked for ways to serve his community further. He was quick to lend a hand to support local public schools, community-based organizations, and his church. Many times, the restaurant stepped up to feed first responders and others in the wake of severe storms and emergency situations when most restaurants were closed for business.
If you visited Joe’s Barbecue during lunchtime, you could usually find Joe seated at a table in the center of the dining room telling stories of the good old days with his friends. When he was not at home or the restaurant, he often spent his days at his ranch in Fredericksburg, Texas, passing the time hunting, fishing, and riding his bulldozer.
A family man, Joe was married to his wife, Beverly Saladino, for 52 years and is survived by their children: Joe (Kacey) Saladino Jr. of Alvin, Sarah (Duane) Barham of Alvin, Jennifer (Mike) Parker of Friendswood, and Wesley (Erin) Saladino of Houston; their grandchildren: Kate Saladino, Jordan (Nicholas) Wat, Nicholas Taylor, Whitney Barham, Sam Barham, Dawson Parker, and Landon Parker; their two great-grandchildren: Henry and Hudson Wat; and his loving brother, Michael (Ginger) Saladino; sister-in-law, Julie Brake and husband Ronnie Wilson; and many nephews and nieces and cherished friends. Joe was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Sam Saladino; mother and father-in-law, Gwendolyn and Thomas Brake; and sister-in-law, Lois Brake.
Friends are cordially invited to the visitation with the family on Friday, May 5, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. with the funeral service to follow at 11:00 A.M. at The Harbor, 2821 W. Parkwood Ave., Friendswood, Texas 77546 with Pastor Steve Shelby and Pastor David Miller officiating. The burial will be private.
Pallbearers will include Michael Parker, Dawson Parker, Landon Parker, Duane Barham, Sam Barham and Nick Taylor.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Joe’s memory to Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org or The Foundation for Hope Village at www.hope-village.com or Sunrise Rotary Memorial Scholarship Fund in honor of Joe Saladino to ACC Foundation, 3110 Mustang Rd., Alvin, Texas 77511 or www.alvincollege.edu.
Condolences may be sent to the Saladino family in care of Jeter Memorial Funeral home at www.jeterfuneralhome.com.
28 thoughts on “Joe Vincent Saladino”
I am so sorry for your loss. I only met him a couple of times, but I could tell he was a good man and a generous person. Blessings to the family.
I have often thought of Joe and his restaurant since my family and I moved away from Alvin almost 17 years ago. I was first introduced to Joe when I was probably about 4 years old. My Mom would take my over to the new restaurant that my Dad was helping build. I always loved how Joe seemed to always remember everyone that would stoped by his table to see him. He was a wonderful person and will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
My deepest condolences to Mrs Saladino, Joey, and the restvofvthe Saladino family. I am better for knowing Joe Saladino and I always enjoyed setting and talking with him at the restaurant and the banquet center. The city of Alvin and our country lost a great man. The Saladino family are in my thoughts during this time of loss.
So sorry for your loss. His legacy of being there for those in need, especially first responders is a testament to his loving generous heart.
God Speed
Joe Saladino gave a young rookie sales rep for Hormel Foods a chance to share why my ribs were so special. Every time I came to visit he treated me like family and would have me sit down and talk with him. I am grateful for him challenging me and also always being so welcoming. I see a lot of him in Jr.
My condolences to the family and community. However, a true celebration of his life is in order as he was an amazing man.
May God welcome Joe into his kingdom.
Joe you will be missed!
Our most sincere condolences to his family! I didn’t have the pleasure of personally meeting Mr. Joe but I sure tasted his BBQ it is always on point!
Godspeed "Mr. Joe". By some blessing that I'll never completely understand, we became such good friends many years ago and I know that I would never have become who I am, without his friendship, wisdom, character and influence. I cannot possibly count all of the times we would sit at "the table" and laugh so much that we were in stitches. For anyone fortunate enough to enjoy a recurring seat when Joe 'held court' (ate lunch) there, they knew it was going to be time well spent and there was nowhere else they could possibly be and enjoy themself more than being in the presence of the man with a heart as big as Texas.
Bev, Joey, Sarah, Wesley, Jennifer & all of the family, I wish you peace and comfort as we all grieve the loss of your husband, father and our dear friend. Thank you for having shared him with everyone; we are all the richer for having had that privilege. 'Rest easy, Pops; you taught them well.'
It is with a heavy heart that I offer my most sincere condolences to the family. The communities of Alvin, Manvel, Friendswood and numerous businesses, individuals and families have all personally felt the touch of Joe’s enormous generosity and for his community and friendss, Joe will be sorely missed by all. My thoughts and prayer are with you during this time of sorrow, loss and pain.
Godspeed Joe, there will remain an empty void within us all without you in our lives.
Jody Schibi
Nothing but respect for that man. May God accept him into his kingdom with open arms. His kind heart and larger than life Personality resonated everywhere he went. He laid the foundation for our community to thrive. His charitable giving and mentorship meant so much to so many. He will be sorely missed. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to visit and learn from such a great man. In the years to come, may he look down and smile at the good work we all continue to do in his honor.
As a very young Game Warden, I had the pleasure to meet Joe in 1987 and from the very beginning, he always made me feel welcomed when I was around him. I loved to listen to him tell stories of his many hunting, fishing, or other adventures. He was one of the kindest persons I every had the pleasure to be around and I am blessed to have known him. I will miss him very much! My most sincere condolences to the family.
Eddie T.
Dear Jennifer- My deepest sympathy for your loss. Although I did not know your Dad well, I did speak to him a few times when I was at the restaurant with clients for lunch, several years ago. He seemed (from what little I knew of him) to be a kind and wonderful soul. I know he passed that spririt down to you and I am sure your brothers and sisters as well. I am lucky to have had the pleasure to meet you and visit with you on so many professional business. If there is anything you need, you have my number. Anytime.
I am praying for strength for your family and that God will get you through this together.
Mandy R
APRIL27,2023
TO ALL OF JOE SALADINO'S GREAT FAMILY, NANCY AND I WERE SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT JOE'S DEATH, HE WAS ONE OF OUR BEST LIFE LONG FRIENDS AND OVER 50 YEARS OF FRIENDSHIP AND GOOD MEMORIES, BOTH UP AT THEIR BEAUTIFUL RANCH IN FREDSRICKBURG AND HUNTING AND FISHING AT OUR PLACE IN MANVEL ALSO ALL OF THE GREAT PARTIES HE CATTER FOR US AT OUR "LITTLE PONDEROSA" IN MANVEL, OUR FAMILY, MY OLD SCHOOLMATES REUNIONS, NANCY'S SCHOOL FRIENDS AND OF COURSE ALL THE BIG ASTRO 'S FAMILIES. I ALSO HAULED ALL THE SAND FROM OUR SAND PIT FOR HIS PRESENT RESTURARANT IN ALVIN AND I ALSO BUILT THE WINDMILL OUT FRONT THERE, I ALSO SPENT MANY MORNINGS THERE FOR COFFEE WITH THE "GUYS". I NEVER SAW A MORE GENEROUS PERSON THAN JOE . PRAYERS FOR ALL THE FAMILY AND JOE WILL BE MISSED BY SOOOOOOOO MANY. JOE, I WILL SEE YOU AGAIN IN HEAVEN. LARRY AND NANCY PHILLIPS.
I was teaching in Alvin when Joe opened his restaurant in Manvel and my wife was teaching in Manvel. I started eating his outstanding BBQ in Manvel and continued to do so when he opened the Alvin location. We had many family meals at Joe's! As the Student Council sponsor and later the principal of Alvin High School, I had Joe cater the meetings I had with the Student Council and my Student Advisory Committees. My students were always excited to eat Joe's BBQ, cobbler, and Blue Bell Ice Cream! Joe was a wonderful servant leader who dedicated much of his life helping others and serving his community! We are all heartbroken with his loss! Our prayer go to his family!
when joe and his cousin carl corono got matching buick grand sports in 1965 i first met joe , after he started on hwy 6 in Manvel
i was building my duplexes and in the heat of summer i would go in after his lunch rush , we would visit and drink tea for hours and i got to be close friends with both joe and sam , i remodeled their septic systems and we became closer , joe was a great friend and a assist to alvin , he will be missed greatly !
SO MANY FUNCTIONS WITH "JOE" THROUGH THE YEARS. WE WERE FRIENDS.
Alvin, Texas lost a good friend when we lost Joe. A wonderful, kind man that cared about our town and its people. Both my husband and my daughter worked for Joe through the years. So so sorry for your loss.
Janie Whitaker
Alvin, Texas
Joe Saladino's name is always, at the top of the list, of donating food or money. He generously gave my son, Stac Duff, and my daughter, Nancy Duff, their first jobs, when they were ~ 15. They learned the good work ethics from Joe. When they graduated, from high school, and left the area, they took with them, the hard working skills, which they have kept all these years
Even though the sun has set on one of Alvin's greatest leaders, we know that his deeds will continue to live, in those, he had helped along the way.
Thanks for the memories, Joe.
Ruth Duff
Bev, Joey, Sarah, Jennifer, Wes and all your families are in our thoughts and hearts. Praying for peace, comfort, strength and grace during this difficult time. Delbert and I are heartbroken by Joe's passing. You all are a huge part of our lives. We love you all. I went to work part-time for Joe's in the spring of 1986. Joe asked me if I knew anyone that could help cater. Told Delbert, next thing I know, He's there all the time! Catering, then Manger. Joe and Delbert had so much in common. Hardworking, BBQ, Vietnam veterans, alike thinking.. We all became the best of friends! Felt like family with all the people we worked with. So enjoyed working there. We watched our families and friends kids, grandkids grow up..so many great memories, friendships, weddings and births! Truly Blessed with all the people we met at Joe's BBQ.
Joe was a very generous, caring person. Always ready to help the community. He had a Big heart. Thank you for all the memories and friendship all these years. You will always be in Our hearts. May the Lord Bless and Keep You..Till we meet again. Rest easy Dear friend. We love you. You will be so missed.
Joe Saladino was a man who bravely served his country in an unpopular war without hesitation,
suffering lifelong medical issues as a result. He returned to become a very successful businessman,
not through any privilege, but by hard work, integrity and faith. He was a man all could aspire to emulate.
His charity and positive impact on his community will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace.
So sad to hear of Joe’s passing. Such good memories I have of a great, fun, generous and loving man. We go back to the NASA days where he judged my Strawberry Pie. Never will I forget the Landing Party you catered for us. I think you and I both were so shocked by the turnout and you sure didn’t fail us to keep the hotdogs flowing. I’m proud to say I knew you and wished we hadn’t always been in a rush to get jobs done.
Rest in Peace Sweet friend and Blessings to Beverly and all your family as they morn a great loss.
Linda Hurlbert
We are so saddened by the passing of Joe. We became friends when he was 7-8 years old out on Brazoria Co CR 392.
Joe was such a good person and the only restaurant in Alvin that gave 10% discounts to veterans and law enforcement officers.
He was much loved and will certainly be missed.
May God bless his eternal soul.
Willie May & Kim Freeman
Alvin, Texas
Thank you Joe Saladino for your support of AYLAA throughout the years. Your generosity was greatly appreciated. Thank you for supporting the Alvin community.
Sorry to hear about the passing of Joe Saladino, My Dad would always tell me that he knew his Dad back in the Day. Joe was a kind considerate individual that always helped various organizations with food. I always traded at Joe's Barbeque. I remember going in often and Joe would be sitting in the middle with friends, some of which was Johnny Goode, Contractor & Robert Goode, owner of Goode's Pawnshop.. I'm a member of Ancestry.Com and Find A Grave and Joe's had me looking up some of his relatives. Alvin lost a Good One.
Joe had such a generous heart, whether it was for our HomeTown Bank Board of Directors, a few of my auction fundraisers I was working on, or simply for myself when I stopped by the restaurant, he was always giving. The best gift he always gave, however, was a big smile no matter what each and every time I ever saw him. Thanks, Joe, smiling right backatcha.
It was such a pleasure to get to know Joe and his family over the years. My prayers our with the entire Saladino family. With heartfelt Condolences, John
Thank you Joe , it was a pleasure doing business with you, but more for being a friend. We would spend 15 minutes on business and the next hour on life , family and friends. Then the past 7 or so years we talked about our health issues, had some of the same problems and ended up with the same doctors. You will be missed.
To the Saladino family, part of my Texas family, my most sincere condolences. I am also Joe Saladino and I have a son, Joe Saladino. My Dad was Joe Saladino, brother of Lenny, Tom and Benny. My Dad's Dad was Frank Saladino, one of the Saladino brothers and sisters, some of which emigrated from Italy including Joe, Josie, Sara, Mary, Rose, Jim, Johnnie, Sam and Tony. My Grandfather, Frank eventually moved to New York where our families were raised. I now live in California.
It was heartwarming to read all the tributes to your husband, Dad and Grandfather. I was left with the impression of a man that was incredibly kind, generous and who was much loved. Wishing you all strength, comfort and peace to face the days ahead and loving memories to hold dear.
My heart goes out to you all.
I remember our time in vietnam Joey It was miserable glad we both made it Jim here