Louis Roman DiSabato

Louis Roman DiSabato, 94, passed away on February 14, 2026, in San Antonio, TX. Born in Columbus, OH, to parents Roman and Lucille DiSabato on October 7, 1931, Louis dedicated his life to the care of all living things—as evidenced by his commitment to wildlife and devotion to family.

What began as a genuine love for animals flourished into an indelible zoological legacy. Louis’ zoo journey started at 15 years old at the Columbus Zoo. He studied Wildlife Conservation at The Ohio State University, before serving in the Korean War. After leaving the Army as a 1st lieutenant, his career in zoology flourished: He held Director positions at the Columbus Zoo in Ohio and Seneca Park Zoo in New York, before spending 25 years as Director of the San Antonio Zoo—where his seminal work influenced the removal of traditional barred enclosures, introducing naturalistic, mixed-species exhibits. Louis was a founding leader and past president of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), as well as a proud member of the Rotary Club of San Antonio.

Beyond his distinguished professional career, Louis found his deepest fulfillment in family, particularly with his wife of 72 years, Phyllis Anne DiSabato. Their decades of marriage were defined by deep mutual respect, adoration, and true love. They were partners in all aspects of life—as parents to five children, travel companions, and teammates on the tennis court.

The couple relished in their adventures, having traversed every continent except Antarctica, and especially cherished their safari trips in Africa. Over the years, their leisure time was spent with good friends on the tennis court and at the family lake house on Lake LBJ.

He is survived by his loving wife Phyllis Anne DiSabato and children Chris DiSabato (Marianne), Julie DeWinne (Ronnie), Maura Wahl (Mike), Carol Bayern (Bill), and Kathy DiSabato; grandchildren Courtney DiSabato (Ben), Braden DeWinne (Brittney), Mallory Kolodzey (John), Joey DiSabato (Gini), Daniel DeWinne (Brittney), Preston Riedel, Alexi Wahl (Mike), and Macy Alcido (Joe); 7 great-grandchildren; brother Paul DiSabato (Toni), niece Dana Flyte, and nephews Nick and Daron DiSabato (Diana).

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, March 17, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church on 11 St. Luke’s Lane in San Antonio, TX. Private family inurnment will occur at a later date.

The family wishes to extend sincere appreciation to Dr. Mark Thornton for his years of faithful care and to the staff at VITAS Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the San Antonio Zoo.