Joseph “Joe” George Salhab
Joseph “Joe” George Salhab, of Houston, died August 9, 2022, in Beaumont, Texas at the age of 69. He was born on January 20, 1953, the eldest child, and only son, of George and Najla Salhab.
Joe grew up in Beaumont, graduating Salutatorian from Monsignor Kelly Catholic High School in 1971, and went on to attend several universities. Joe first attended Notre Dame, where he made lifelong friends, but the cold weather was too much for a Southeast Texas boy, so he made his way back south and enrolled in the University of Texas at Austin. Joe’s penchant for live music and the social scene caused his dad to call him back home his senior year, where Joe earned his degree from Lamar University. He then attended South Texas School of Law where he earned his Doctor of Jurisprudence in 1984.
Upon completing law school, Joe joined the DA’s office for the City of Houston, which he had grown to love during his time at South Texas. He served as an Assistant D.A. for four years before turning to private practice, where he was a board certified criminal defense lawyer. For 30 years, he represented clients before juries in State and Federal Court, until suffering a hemorrhagic stroke in 2016.
Joe was a true lover of life. He loved his city and could tell you the best places to eat, drink, or hear music in any part of town. He loved his beloved Astros and could always score some of the best seats in the stadium. He loved good food and good drink. He loved to laugh. And anyone who knew Joe, knows he loved to talk. He was incredibly funny and told immensely entertaining stories that would have you in stitches. Most of all, he loved his family and his friends, and more often than not, his friends became his family.
Joe was also an exceptional piano player, capable of teaching himself almost any song he heard. He often served as his family’s entertainment at holiday gatherings. Joe was an avid runner and health enthusiast, a fact that helped him battle and beat colon cancer at age 51. He could often be found running the Buffalo Bayou Trail, one of his favorite Houston secret gems, with his dog by his side. Joe’s dogs were his children and his constant companions.
Joe was the oldest of 4 siblings and the only son. He was very close to his sisters and found great entertainment during childhood in pulling any prank on them he could think of. He was also very proud of his Lebanese heritage and loved making trips to Lebanon to visit family. Joe was a proud uncle who took his role in that capacity very seriously. He relished in his nickname, “The Godfather”, given to him by his eldest niece.
Joe is survived by his three sisters, Marie McClelland and husband Ewert of Beaumont, Celeste Salhab and partner John “Sunny” White of Beaumont, and Melissa Sykes and husband Richard of Austin. Uncle Joe will also be missed by his 7 nieces and nephews, Shaun Hillin, Meghan Bevill, Emily Moore, William and Matthew Sykes, Jared McClelland, Amanda Hollis; and 9 great nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Najla Salhab, and by his beloved dogs, Luger, Annie, and Boomer.
Our family would like to send our love and gratitude to all of Joe’s friends who visited him and lifted him (and us) up after his stroke. Those visits with you gave him strength and joy, and ultimately kept him going. We’d like to especially thank Joe’s childhood friend, Michael Ross, who was a constant by Joe’s side in his final months. We would also like to thank the staff at Summer Place Nursing and Rehabilitation for the care you gave Joe throughout these last years and the staff at Altus Hospice for the comfort you gave him in his last days.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Houston Humane Society, www.houstonhumane.org or to the American Stroke Foundation, www.americanstroke.org.
A gathering of Mr. Salhab’s family and friends will begin at 1:00 p.m. with his funeral service at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, August 13, 2022, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. His interment will follow at Magnolia Cemetery, Beaumont.
Gathering of Family and Friends
Broussard’s Mortuary McFaddin Ave.
- 2000, Mcfaddin Avenue, Beaumont, Texas, 77701,
- August 13, 2022
- 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Funeral Service
Broussard’s Mortuary McFaddin Ave.
- 2000, Mcfaddin Avenue, Beaumont, Texas, 77701,
- August 13, 2022
- 3:00 pm
Interment
Magnolia Cemetery
- 2291, Pine St, Beaumont, TX, 77703,
- August 13, 2022
Joe was as kind, funny and talented as he was brilliant. Such a loss. May family and friends share in his peace.
Thank you, David.
I wanted to offer my heartfelt condolences on Joe’s passing. He was a wonderful colleague and a consummate gentlemen. His passing is a great loss for legal community. Joe will be forever be remember fondly.
Judge Brian Warren
Thank you for your kind words, Judge Warren.
Marie, Celeste and family, So sorry to hear of your brother’s passing. I pray that you will be comforted by the many memories of him in the days ahead. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
So sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. He was such a character! The last time I saw him there was a story & a lot of laughter. So sorry for your loss.
Thank you, Beverly.
Celese and the family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your brother. God Bless. Joyce Lowrey
Thank you, Joyce.
Celeste, Marie, and Salhab Family,
So sorry to hear of Joes passing. What a unique individual who will be missed by all who crossed his path. Thinking of you all. Sometimes life just isn’t fair
Charlie Coco
Thank you, Charlie.
Joe was the best friend I had at St.Anthonys.I had the good fortune of connecting with him over the years.I loved Joe a lot he made the world a better place.
Thank you, Charles. He also spoke fondly of you.
I’m so sorry to hear this. I worked for Joe when I was in law school and just after I finished. I liked him very much. He was a good boss and a friend. We lost touch after I moved overseas. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. He was a good man.
Thank you for those kind words, Emily.
Marie,
My heartfelt condolences in the loss of your brother. Know that I’m thinking of you and hope the great memories you all shared help you through this difficult time.
Jennifer Hogan
I can’t explain how close Joe and I were growing up, from alter boys to playing music with Justin, Bert, Toby and all the others! He was by far the best friend a young person could have had. It was a shame our paths went separate ways as adults, but I always told people about our friendship, and all the stories of us growing up. Marie, Celeste and Melissa, I know you will miss him dearly, as will I. May he rest in peace in Heaven with your mother and father! God bless you all.
I can still hear Joe & Joe playing music in the garage
‘Come on Baby Light my fire’
Frank Galassi & I riding in his SS Malibu such Great Memories
RIP our friend
Thank you for the memories, Joe. My brother also had fond memories of your close childhood friendship and the days of playing in the band together.
Celeste and family:
I did not know your brother Joe but imagine him being kind and funny and always welcoming having friends and family around. I send you my love, big big hugs and know God is with each and every one of you during this sad time. Thinking of you all.
Thank you Kim.
My sincere sympathies to the family, especially Joe’s wonderful sisters who I remember fondly. I can’t get out of my mind how Joe maintained a brilliant ability to be humorous in spite of all his challenges after his stroke. And he carried himself with a sincere humility that seemed somehow spiritual then . He was a jewel of a fellow!
We were roommates in college and he taught me how to play blues on the piano. So I have thought of him every time I sat on a piano stool since. I eventually married a Music professor so my blues piano (while quite terrible) did get me a few extra credits with her opinion when we first met back in 1988.
Thank you, Joe! For that and your friendship. God bless.
Charlie
I am so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. He was such a talented, intelligent, and kind person. Prayers for peace for Joe and all of his family.
When I think of Joe, I can see him smiling and laughing. He definitely had a zest for life and was such a positive person. He had a great sense of humor, quick wit, much love for people and his dogs. He is truly missed. Prayers for Joe’s family and friends for peace and comfort.
an incredible person in high school who never lost his zeal even in adversity.
prayers for the family.
mike cacioppo
I remember as a young kid sitting at the kitchen table eating lunch with Marie, Celeste, Joe, & their mom Najla. He was always making us laugh. Najla would try not to laugh, but she just couldn’t hold it back!
And when he’d take us through the burger drive through and order a Cheeseburger & cut the cheese! Kids!
I sure will miss him! Rest In Peace, Joe!!
Jo Ann Parigi
I didn’t remember that JoAnn. Joe never lost his sense of humor. I’m thankful for the memories. Thank you.