Joseph Anthony Regini

Joseph Anthony Regini, a lifelong Galvestonian, passed away on Saturday, February 25, 2017, in Jennie Sealy Hospital. He was born January 3, 1922, in Galveston, to Joseph A. Regini, Sr. (Rio Marino, Italy) and Elena (Lena) Tantillo Regini (Palermo, Sicily).

As a World War II veteran, Joe served his country from 1942 to 1945 in the US Army/Air Force as an aircraft mechanic on B-17’s with most of his duty in India. After an honorable discharge, he took over the family grocery store located on the corner of 41st & Avenue Q, Regini’s Grocery. Joe and his wife, Alta, ran the one of many Italian grocery stores for a number of years. He was proud of his meat case and did his own meat cutting. Joe loved to cook and was always ready to help out with preparing a meal at St. Patrick’s or at the Knights of Columbus #787 hall. He was a lifetime member of the K.C.’s #787 and the Elks Lodge #126 Galveston.

In his early days, Joe worked on washers, driers, refrigerators, etc. and was well sought-after for repair work. He took a small engine repair course to work on lawn equipment. He also took a course in Kansas City, MO for the Foley Belsaw Co. to learn to sharpen chain saws, hand saws, circular saws, etc. After that, Joe went to Galveston College and studied air conditioning and refrigeration.

Joe worked for P. H. McKenna Wholesale, the Schlitz Beer Distributor for Galveston County. He worked his way up from driver to Vice President of Sales and retired after 41 years.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, John and Carmello; and his wife, Alta.

He is survived by his daughters, Lois Marie Anthony (Harry) of Texas City; and JoAnne Gilmore (Jim) of Galveston; grandchildren, Lois Marie Waymire (Rob) of Madison, Alabama, and Michael Anthony; great grandchildren, Fiona, Keely, and Aidan Waymire; and his longtime companion, Dorothy (Dottie) Welsh and her family.

Joe’s family will receive visitors beginning at 9:00 am, Friday, March 3, 2017, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 34th & Broadway, in Galveston. A rosary will begin at 10:00 am, followed immediately by the funeral mass with Father EJ Stein, OFM, officiating. Burial will follow the service at Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Knights of Columbus #787 members: Ron Dyda, Allen Jackson, Mickey Kearney, Brian Kusnerik, Frank Petronella, and Sonny Taormina.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the nurses and staff at Gulf Health Care Center in Galveston, as well as everyone who helped Joe during his illness while at UTMB. And last but not least, the members of Hospice Care Team, Inc.

Memorials may be made to Holy Family Parish or Hospice Care Team, Inc.