Obituary of Saverio Vincent Giammalva, Jr.

Saverio Vincent Giammalva, Jr., born January 5, 1932, passed away peacefully Tuesday, July 18, 2023 surrounded by his family. Saverio was the youngest child of Sicilian immigrants, Mary Costa and Saverio Giammalva, and he was very proud of his Italian roots. His parents instilled values of the importance of faith, family, and a strong work ethic, which he passed down to his children and grandchildren.

Saverio’s Catholic faith was especially important to him. He was raised in Catholic schools and he attended Sacred Heart, graduated from St. Thomas High School (class of 1950), The University of St. Thomas, and graduated from The University of Houston (class of 1955). A proud alumnus, St. Thomas High School remained important to him long after his time as a student. He was active in supporting the school and advocating its mission. He collected funds and arranged for local artist David Adickes to create a sculpture of the beloved Father Wilson for their new campus.

In Saverio’s early years, he worked for Shell Chemical Company and made pharmaceutical sales for Sandoz, before venturing into Commercial Real Estate.  He formed the company of Anderson/Fitzgerald/Giammalva, and later, Saverio Gimmal Properties which he owned and operated, working up until the week prior to his passing.

Saverio celebrated 61 years of marriage with his devoted wife, Sylvia, upon her passing last July. They were members of St. Michael Catholic Church. His three daughters had tough shoes to fill while trying to satisfy his voracious appetite and make his favorite meals taste “just like Mom’s”. He was blessed with a wife that not only could cook whatever he was craving, but also shared similar hobbies and interests such as collecting art, traveling, and even playing poker and blackjack! Saverio was a loving father and grandfather (aka “KittyKat”) who always made himself available for his family. He was known to be resourceful and equipped his family and friends with sound advice on how to make the best decisions and where to score the best deals.

Known as “Junior” by close friends and family, Saverio was loved by many in the community both personally and professionally. He cared for everyone and was always generous in giving his time to others. He was never on the clock, in fact he was always late. He always focused on the one he was with.

Saverio was preceded in death by his wife Sylvia Rossler Giammalva, parents Saverio Vincent Giammalva and Mary Costa Giammalva, sister Madeline Giammalva (Harlan), and brothers Vincent Giammalva (Frances), Sam Giammalva, Joseph Giammalva (Rosalie).

Saverio will be greatly missed by his three daughters, Jana Giammalva, Risse Knight (Kevin), Victoria Minton (Jarrett), and grandchildren Mary Alex Knight Mizell (Carter), Meredith Knight, Melanie Knight Shaper (Lovett), David Minton, Thomas Minton, Elizabeth Minton, and great grandson Reeves Mizell, along with many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank his many doctors and nurses who provided exceptional care for him. Specifically, Dr. Campos, Dr. Rosales, Dr. Bueso, and caregiver Shunyia. He was exceptionally grateful and appreciative of his personal assistant of nearly 20 years, Jennifer Jones. Jennifer was beyond loyal to him and to his work, supporting his spirit and business endeavors until the end.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, July 22, 2023 at St. Michael Catholic Church, 1801 Sage Road, Houston, Texas 77056.

The family kindly asks that you do not send flowers. Your friendship and words of encouragement are most appreciated. Those wishing to make donations in Saverio’s name can do so at the following: St. Thomas Catholic High School – The Sylvia and Saverio Giammalva Scholarship Foundation, 4500 Memorial Dr., Houston, Texas 77007; St. Michael Catholic Church, 1801 Sage Road, Houston, Texas 77056; The Cathedral of Our Lady of Walsingham, 7809 Shadyvilla Lane, Houston, Texas 77055.