Leo H. Mencacci, III died November 15 at his home in Galveston, with his family at his bedside. He was 65. Throughout his battle with cancer – and as a long-time Aggie supporter – Leo believed you “never lost a game…rather you just ran out of time.”

A Galveston native, Leo graduated O’Connell High School and attended Galveston College. Leo was a highly-respected leader in the maritime industry. He began his career with Flood & Calvert and then continued his career in the maritime industry with Bay Houston Towing Company for almost 35 years, until his death. During his career, he also served his community as President of the Galveston Propeller Club, was honored as the club’s “Man of the Year”, and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus.

Even though the maritime industry was his professional “life”, Leo made his life complete by being an integral part of his daughters’ high school activities at O’Connell, college activities at Texas A&M University, and most recently enjoying his two precious grandsons. In addition to his love for anything related to the Aggies, Leo looked forward to hunting with his co-workers and friends and fishing with his brothers and son-in-laws.

Preceded in death by his father, Leo H. Mencacci, Jr., Leo is survived by his wife of 43 years, Sherry Nelson Mencacci; his mother, Loretta Mencacci; daughters Amanda Kristen Covert and Shelly Marie Delaney; son-in laws, Brent Michael Covert and Jonathan Robert Delaney; grandsons, Cade Michael Covert and Casen Henry Covert; and step-granddaughter, Brianna Delaney.

Leo is also survived by four sisters and four brothers: Sonia Price (Chuck), Hedy Howell (Joe), Marcia Rouse (Fred), and Monica Bear (Randy); brothers – Mark Mencacci (Leslie), Frank Mencacci (Donna), Malcolm Mencacci (Melanie), and Dennis Mencacci (Cindy), as well as 16 nieces and nephews and 15 grand-nieces and nephews.

Visitation will begin at 5pm on Monday, November 21, with a Rosary at 6.30pm at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 14th and Broadway. A funeral Mass will be held at 10am, Tuesday, November 22nd at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with burial immediately following at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Galveston.

Pallbearers will be Mark Mencacci, Frank Mencacci, Malcolm Mencacci, Dennis Mencacci, Brent Covert, Jonathan Delaney, Don Suderman, and Paul Bohn. Honorary pallbearers are Craig Tremonte, Joe Maffei, Wayne Byrd, Dennis Byrd, Sr., and Michael Bussey.

Contributions may be made to the Galveston Propeller Club, Maritime Scholarship Fund in Leo’s name and mailed to P.O. Box 1115, Galveston, Texas 77553.

Leo was a true “people person” – a gentleman who treated everyone he met with respect. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with family and friends. It was his “happy place.” Leo loved his family more than life itself. He beamed with intense pride when speaking of his beautiful wife and daughters, his son-in-laws, and his grandsons. Leo Mencacci will be remembered for being a genuine, wise, loving, respectful, loyal and tirelessly-brave gentleman. He will be missed by all who knew him.