Peter Joseph Golla

Peter Joseph Golla, 76, of Baytown; passed away to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 18, 2006 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Houston. He was born July 20, 1929 in Corpus Christi, Texas. He was a proud 1952 graduate of Texas A&M University with a degree in Chemical Engineering. As an officer in the USAF, he was selected for involvement in the development of special jet and rocket fuels.

He was world renowned as a specialist in his field while employed for 41 years by Exxon Corporation as a Engineer at the Baytown Refinery. He traveled to most of the Exxon refineries in Europe and the Far East as a consultant, prior to his retirement in 1992. Following retirement, he was highly sought as a consultant for other refineries world-wide.

Pete, a licensed Professional Engineer, was active in the E. Harris County Serra Club, a member of the Knights of Columbus, many committees, and all lay ministries of St. Joseph’s Church. Through the years he was involved with Boy Scouts, helped with science fairs, and science projects for students at St. Joseph Catholic School.

Pete loved being with his family. He freely shared his knowledge and skills, and his love of gardening, fishing, hunting, golf, and many hobbies and interests. He was a generous friend to all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his parents John T. and Mary Whelan Golla and brother John A. Golla. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Irene Selensky Golla of Baytown, brother Damian Golla and wife Chell Ann of Seguin; sister Rita Kennedy of Dallas; brother Jude Golla and wife Gail of Kingsville. He is survived by seven children, Joseph Golla and wife Kathy, Tom Golla and wife Monica, Cindy McSeveney, Tim Golla and wife Rebecca, James Golla and wife Cheryl, Paul Golla and wife Laura, and Mary McIntyre and husband Scott, and 23 grandchildren, four great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and many, many friends.

Honoring the family as pallbearers are grandsons Wade Golla, Anthony McIntyre, Zach Golla, John Shell, Michael Shell, and nephew John Selensky. Honorary pallbearers are friends Sam Bozich, Perry Simmons, Watty Watkins, Lewis Berniard, Norman Smith, and grandsons Chris Golla, Caleb Golla, and especially grandson Joseph Burrow, who is currently serving in Iraq.

His family will receive friends on Tuesday, February 21, 2006 from 6pm to 8pm at Navarre Funeral Home with the rosary at 7pm. Funeral Mass will be Wednesday, February 22, 2006 at 10am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1907 Carolina Ave. in Baytown, where he was a faithful daily communicant, Rev. Dwight M. Canizares and Msgr. Leo Wleczyk, celebrants. Burial will follow at White Cemetery in Highlands.

In lieu of usual remembrances, contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic School, 1811 Carolina Ave., Baytown, TX 77520.

To view the online obituary or to post a tribute for the family, go to www.navarrefuneralhome.com

Arrangements are under the direction of Navarre Funeral Home, 2444 Rollingbrook Dr., Baytown, TX, 77521, (281) 422-8111.