Victor Joseph "Vic" Fertitta, Jr.

Galveston, Texas - Victor Joseph “Vic” Fertitta, Jr., a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, April 8, 2026, at the age of 90. A man larger than life - not just in stature, but in heart and welcoming spirit - Vic never met a person he didn’t greet warmly. He loved Galveston deeply, and Galveston loved him back. 

Born and raised in Galveston, Texas, Vic was a proud product of the Island. He attended St. Mary’s and St. Patrick’s Elementary School before graduating from Kirwin High School, where he was a notable athlete and left an impression on everyone who knew him. From an early age, Vic was shaped by a strong sense of family, community, and hard work.

Over 74 years ago, Vic met the love of his life, Joy Falgout. They were married at Sacred Heart Church in Galveston on December 27, 1954. They honeymooned in New York City and celebrated their first New Year’s Eve as a newly married couple at the famed Copacabana. Their partnership was the cornerstone of everything Vic built — a family of three sons Jay, Tilman and Todd, a legacy, and a life defined by warmth and devotion. Joy, a longtime community advocate, stood beside Vic at every milestone. They often referred to their marriage as a never-ending love affair. Together they were regulars at civic and charitable events across the Island for decades. 

Vic’s introduction to the hospitality industry came early and close to home. As a young man, he worked for his father, Victor J. Fertitta, at two of Galveston’s iconic establishments — the Turf Club and The Balinese Room — where he learned the craft of welcoming people and running a house with pride. He adored his father and cherished every moment by his side, which made losing him at the young age of 25 one of the deepest sorrows of his life. In the wake of his loss, Vic's father-in-law, Tilman J. Falgout, Sr., stepped in and filled some big shoes and a loving void. A successful businessman, Mr. Falgout, became a mentor and father figure to a young Vic navigating grief while building a family and business of his own. Those early years planted the seeds of an entrepreneurial spirit that would flourish over the next several decades. 

Vic went on to operate several of his own popular establishments, most notably the Golden Greek and Pier 23 restaurants, which became staples of the Galveston dining scene and gathering places for generations of Island families. However, his vision extended far beyond the restaurant table. He became a driving force in Galveston’s hospitality development during the transformative decades of the 1970s and 1980s, contributing to the redevelopment of the Treasure Isle and Seahorse Inn and helping bring some of the first major beachfront lodging brands to the Island — including the La Quinta Inn and the first beachfront Holiday Inn location. His influence brought nationally recognized chains such as Jack in the Box, Der Wienerschnitzel, and Monterey House to the Galveston market. 

Through a combination of vision, tenacity, and genuine love for his hometown, Vic helped modernize Galveston’s tourism infrastructure and elevate the Island’s appeal as a destination. His son, Tilman J. Fertitta, today one of the largest hospitality leaders in the country and currently serving as the United States Ambassador to Italy, worked at his father’s establishments and learned the ropes as a teenager. The lessons Tilman carried forward are Vic’s most enduring professional legacy. 

Vic’s contributions to Galveston extended well beyond the walls of his restaurants and hotels. He served as a member of the Galveston Island Park Board of Trustees overseeing tourism, helping guide the Island’s growth and visibility as a destination for generations to come. He was a devoted supporter of law enforcement and the Galveston Sheriff’s Department, a relationship that spanned decades - from Sheriff Joe Max Taylor to Sheriff Henry Trochesset, to his good personal friend, Sheriff Jimmy Fullen. 

Vic was a founding member of the Knights of Momus and a passionate supporter of Galveston’s beloved Mardi Gras celebration. In 2019, he was crowned King Frivolous CIV - a title that suited him perfectly and was particularly meaningful as his granddaughter, Blayne Fertitta, was crowned Queen the same year. 

Vic was preceded in death by his parents Victor Joseph Fertitta, Sr. and wife Mary; and his sister Olivia Estrada and her husband, Dr. William Estrada. 

Vic is survived by the love of his life, Joy Falgout Fertitta; his three sons, Victor J. Fertitta, Tilman J. Fertitta (Lauren), and Todd R. Fertitta (Lexi). 

His grandchildren, Kelli Fertitta Woods (Josh), Chase Fertitta, Chance Fertitta, Michael Fertitta, Patrick Fertitta (Katie), Blake Fertitta (Dana), Blayne Fertitta Mavredakis (Peter), and Elle Fertitta; and his great-grandchildren, Lily Woods, Pierce Fertitta, Scarlett Fertitta, and Stella Fertitta. He was deeply loved and will be missed my numerous nieces and nephews including his niece Susan Falgout and his beloved daughter-in-law Paige Farwell Fertitta who was forever by his side.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1302 Broadway, Galveston, Texas, followed by the Recitation of the Rosary at 6:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. 

Pallbearers will be Michael Fertitta; Patrick Fertitta; Blake Fertitta; Chase Fertitta; Chance Fertitta; Robert Falgout; Trey Zeluff; Bill Estrada; Anthony Fertitta, Jr.; Joseph Fertitta; and Joe Fertitta. 

Honorary Pallbearers will be John Thompson; Joe Dallas; Charley Kilibrew; Sonny Viani; Alfio Tropea; Paulie Gaido; Bruce Leipzig; Kelly Roberts; Steve Greenberg; Richard Ervin; and Sheriff Jimmy Fullen. 

Special appreciation is expressed to Lexi Vukelic for her devotion to Papa Vic when he needed it the most. The family extends their deepest gratitude to the outstanding doctors, nurses, and staff at UTMB and to Vic's devoted caregivers, especially Makenzie Catching, a constant presence of love and friendship to Vic in his later years; along with caregivers Diana Holmes; Michelle "Lulu" Jeane; Kayla Groth; and Sara Cantu.

If you choose to make a charitable donation in lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation be made to the Ronald McDonald House of Galveston (301 14th Street Galveston, TX 57500) or a charity of your choice in Vic’s memory.

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